Biz New Orleans December 2017

Workforce Development: What colleges are doing pg. 44

Fulton Street: The secret of its success pg. 48

Top 10 Stories of the Year pg. 58

december 2017

features top stories this month

58

Top 10 Stories of the Year A look at the headlines that changed business in 2017

BizNewOrleans.com 5

contents december 2017 | Volume 4 | Issue 3

perspectives

8 | Editor’s note 2016 vs. 2017

44 | education

10 | publisher’s note

Educating for Today: A look at

Personalized Business News

what local colleges are doing to boost workforce development

14 | Calendar 16 | industry news

32 | sports

18 | recent openings

need to offer Brees a two-year deal; find, groom quarterback of the future

20 | Events

Two for Drew: Saints

34 | entertainment Shedding Light on Our Darkness: A

in the biz 26 | nola by the numbers Don’t Believe the Headlines: New Orleans’ population is not shrinking.

locally produced pilot centering on crime in New Orleans will soon be meeting with HBO.

48 | dining & entertainment

36 | entrepreneurship

success comes down to one thing: teamwork.

All For One: Fulton Street’s

Building Women, Building the City:

52 | real estate & construction

The WBRC is bridging the gap between women and business.

Building a Foundation for Learning: A look at how

38 | etiquette Becoming a Professional: Four

renovations and new projects at local schools are contributing to the growth and success of education in the city.

District offices are a study in adaptive reuse with a modern sensibility.

102 | why didn’t i think of that?

A Different Kind of Board Room: A Mid-City bookstore’s inside-the-box thinking has created a whole new revenue stream.

On The Cutting Edge: The Riverbend’s

106 | making a match: businesses and nonprofits

hidden jewel offers perfect gifts for any cook.

An Early Bienvenue: Holiday gift ideas for the travelers in your life

94 | great workspaces Open Spaces: Trapolin-Peer Architects’ historic Warehouse

vital concepts for those new to their jobs or careers or striving for promotion

28 | dining

30 | tourism

from the lens

An Eden Just Down the Road: Built by local philanthropic 40 | marketing Reflect and Recharge: A new year means a new marketing plan.

56 | guest viewpoint

legends, Longue Vue House and Gardens offers an unmatched setting for business events that gives back to the community.

The $5 Logo: Is It for You?:

112 | on the job

Behind the scenes of cyberbranding

Santa’s Helper

BizNewOrleans.com 7

Editor’s Note

On the Web

Beyond the magazine But wait, there’s more! Visit BizNewOrleans.com to watch videos from this month’s issue, including:

2016 vs. 2017

T

I was excited to moderate the “Going Gaga Over Global: Destination Healthcare” panel Nov. 1 at Louisiana International Trade Week. Seen here is WTC CEO, Caitlin Cain; Ochsner Health System CEO, Warner Thomas; and New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Commission CEO, Mark Romig. Not pictured: GNO, Inc. CEO, Michael Hecht.

his is the second year that Biz has ended the year with a rundown of our take on the top 10 news stories that affected business, so I’m finding myself naturally comparing the two years.

Last year the top story was the airport, specifically MSY’s announcement of the first nonstop flight to Europe in more than 30 years via British Airways, plus flights to Germany and Central America.

A year later, those flights have been so popular that soon after starting service this past March, British Airways expanded from four to five days a week and Condor has announced that its flights to Frankfurt (which ran May through September this year) will definitely be returning next summer. MSY just continued to pick up steam this year, breaking last year’s passenger totals, boosting the size of the anticipated North Terminal and seeing airlines including Allegiant, Southwest, Vacation Express, Alaska Airlines and Spirit Airlines all adding more flights.

It was a hard battle for the top spot this year but we had to give it to the explosion of the healthcare industry in metro New Orleans. How could we not when this sector continues to top job growth both in the region and nationally? It seems like every day there was news of another clinic opening, or a multimillion-dollar center throwing open its doors and there’s no slowdown in sight.

Speaking of healthcare, next month is our CEO of the Year issue and all I can say is that it should come as no surprise that our esteemed cover person hails from this industry.

Here’s to a safe and prosperous 2018!

Happy Reading.

Recent Happenings on Canal Street For the first time in 46 years, the Jung name reappeared at 1500 Canal Street on Nov. 10, with the unveiling of a 36-foot lighted sign for the Jung Hotel & Residences, expected to open in December.

On Oct. 31 , five businessmen from around the country kicked off the latest tour of The CEO Ride, a four day business conference on wheels, at EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours on Canal Street.

Kimberley@BizNewOrleans.com

8 Biz December 2017

Publisher Todd Matherne

Editorial Editor-in-Chief Errol Laborde Managing Editor Kimberley Singletary Art Director Sarah George Web Editor Kelly Massicot Associate News Editor Jenny Peterson Multimedia Blogger Leslie T. Snadowsky

Contributors Julia Carcamo, Maria Clark, Pamela Marquis, Chris Price, Kim Roberts, Jessica Rosgaard, Jennifer Gibson Schecter, Poppy Tooker, Keith Twitchell, Patrick Waring, Melanie Warner Spencer

Advertising Vice President of Sales Colleen Monaghan (504) 830-7215 Colleen@BizNewOrleans.com Sales Manager Maegan O’Brien (504) 830-7219 Maegan@BizNewOrleans.com Senior Account Executive Caitlin Sistrunk (504) 830-7252 Caitlin@BizNewOrleans.com Senior Account Executive Carly Goldman (504) 830-7225 Carly@BizNewOrleans.com Account Executive Jessica Jaycox (504) 830-7255 JessicaJ@BizNewOrleans.com

Marketing Director of Marketing & Events Cheryl Lemoine Event Coordinator Whitney Weathers Digital Media Associate Mallary Matherne For event information, call (504) 830-7264

Production Production Manager Jessica DeBold Traffic Coordinator Topher Balfer Production Designers Emily Andras, Demi Schaffer, Molly Tullier

Administration Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne President Alan Campell Executive Vice President Errol Laborde Office Manager Mallary Matherne Distribution Manager John Holzer Subscription Manager Brittanie Bryant For subscriptions, call (504) 830-7231 AABP 2016 Award of Excellence Bronze: Best Feature Layout 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 Biz New Orleans is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005; (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: one year $24.95, two year $39.95, three year $49.95 — foreign rates vary call for pricing. Postage paid at Metairie, LA, and additional mailing entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Biz New Orleans, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2016 Biz New Orleans. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark Biz New Orleans is registered.

Biz New Orleans is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Biz New Orleans are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or owner.

BizNewOrleans.com 9

Publisher’s Note

Personalized Business News “Morning Biz” launches Dec. 1

F

or the past several months we have been working behind the scenes to launch a new digital product for the business executive in New Orleans. On Dec. 1, “Morning Biz” opens to the public.

This new email newsletter will arrive in your inbox each weekday with aggregated news from local, regional and national sources. Our goal is to deliver the most relevant news and information according to your personal preferences and niche industry, so we have partnered with rasa.io whose technology creates individualized and unique daily news briefs sent directly to your inbox in a clean and intuitive format for desktop and mobile viewing. Over time, based on your reading habits, this digital news brief will adapt to your areas of interest and will calibrate the day’s news most relevant to you.

To catch this new digital media in action and begin receiving the Morning Biz, go to BizNewOrleans.com, look for the “Morning Biz” icon on our homepage and sign up.

As always, I welcome your feedback. Email me at Todd@BizNewOrleans.com.

Todd Matherne

10 Biz December 2017

Meet the Sales Team

Maegan O’Brien Sales Manager (504) 830-7219 Maegan@BizNewOrleans.com

Caitlin Sistrunk Senior Account Executive (504) 830-7252 Caitlin@BizNewOrleans.com

Carly Goldman Senior Account Executive (504) 830-7225 Carly@BizNewOrleans.com

Jessica Jaycox Account Executive (504) 830-7255 JessicaJ@BizNewOrleans.com

Colleen Monaghan Vice President of Sales (504) 830-7215 Colleen@BizNewOrleans.com 12 Biz December 2017

BizNewOrleans.com 13

Calendar

December 5

13

New Orleans Chamber of Commerce Power Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

1515 Poydras St. 5th Floor Auditorium NewOrleansChamber.org

Propeller Raising Capital: Finding the Right Investor (session 3 of a 6-session free series on investment readiness and access to capital) 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Propeller Incubator 4035 Washington Ave. GoPropeller.org

5 Propeller Lunch & Individual Tax and Business Advising with P&N 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Propeller Incubator 4035 Washington Ave. GoPropeller.org

6 Jefferson Chamber of Commerce The Bottom Line on ROI 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Whitney Bank UNO Training Facility 2285 Lakeshore Dr. JeffersonChamber.org

6 St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce B2B Networking 8 to 9 a.m.

Chamber Office 610 Hollycrest Blvd., Covington StTammanyChamber.org

6 St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce Northshore Young Professionals — Pop Up 4 to 6 p.m.

The Southern Hotel 428 E. Boston St., Covington StTammanyChamber.org

8 Propeller Racial Equity Institute: Groundwater Data Presentation 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Greater New Orleans Foundation 919 St. Charles Ave. GoPropeller.org

12 New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce Annual Members’ Meeting (RSVP by Dec. 5) 6 to 8 p.m.

Le Meridien New Orleans 333 Canal St. NORBChamber.org

13 New Orleans Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting — Keynote Speaker: New Orleans Mayor-Elect 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hyatt Regency New Orleans Empire Ballroom 601 Loyola Ave. NewOrleansChamber.org

13 Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Prosper Jefferson: Google’s Grow Your Business Online Marketing Summit 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

JEDCO Conference Center 700 Churchill Pkwy., Avondale JeffersonChamber.org

14 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Relationship Building Workshop 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Xavier University Center, Room 205 HCCL.biz

14 ABWA Crescent City Connections Luncheon “Cocktail History” by Elizabeth Pearce 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ralph Brennan’s Heritage Grill 111 Veterans Blvd.

ABWANewOrleans.org

14 St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Banner Ford 1943 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville StTammanyChamber.org

For a more complete list of events visit BizNewOrleans.com. We’d love to include your business-related event in next month’s calendar. Please email details to Editorial@BizNewOrleans.com.

14 Biz December 2017

ADVERTISEMENT

Close your next deal at one of these business-friendly bistros.

Katie’s Restaurant

The Bombay Club

3701 Iberville St. • New Orleans • (504) 488-6582 katiesinmidcity.com

830 Conti Street • (504) 577-2237 bombayclubneworleans.com

Featured on Food Network & Travel Channel – Katie’s is a neighborhood restaurant serving lunch and dinner Monday thru Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday thru Saturday 11am–10pm and Sunday Brunch from 9am–3pm. Full service catering, year round. Plus, our Holiday Catering Menu that would make your mom proud. Available online. Catering Orders: 504-400-0078

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Vieux Carré at The Bombay Club with one of over 50 unique cocktails. Set back from the entrance of the Prince Conti Hotel, our martini bar & restaurant is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy live entertainment after a busy day in the French Quarter. Sample European-inspired New Louisiana dishes from Executive Chef Phillip Todd, sip on a refreshing cocktail from Head Bartender Blake Kaiser, and listen to the soothing jazz of popular local artists nightly.

Bar Frances

Riccobono’s Peppermill Restaurant

4525 Freret St. • (504) 371-5043 barfrances.com

3524 Severn Ave., Metairie • (504) 455-2266 riccobonospeppermill.com

A modern bistro with seasonal eats, Bar Frances is a place to gather day or night for a wine-paired meal, or drinks and small plates. Chef Mimi Assad serves lunch, dinner and brunch featuring a French, Lebanese and Southern influenced menu, driven by seasonal choices and locally farmed ingredients. Featuring New Orleans’ largest natural wine selection, a daily happy hour, and monthly wine club, the bar and cocktail program is progressive yet classic.

Join us for your holiday party. It’s not too early to book your reservations.

From 5 to 50 guests we will make sure every detail is attended to. Please see our group menus available on our website, riccobonospeppermill.com or call for custom arrangements.

BizNewOrleans.com 15

Industry News

port

Port of South Louisiana Executive Director Honored At the Louisiana International Trade Jubilee — a black-tie celebratory affair and fundraiser benefiting the World Trade Center of New Orleans during Louisiana International Trade Week, (Oct. 30- Nov. 3) — the Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Director Paul Aucoin received this year’s Eugene J. Schreiber Award, established in memory of the late Eugene “Gene” Schreiber. The award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional knowledge and leadership in promoting international trade policy for the benefit of the State of Louisiana.

Additionally, Aucoin received the World Trade Center of New Orleans’ highest honor, The Order of the Plimsoll Mark, for his contribution to world peace, trade and understanding.

Other awards presented that evening were: SPF Depot of Bossier City, Louisiana, received the Award for Excellence in International Trade and Janine Mansour, commercial director for the Port of New Orleans, was the recipient of the Young and Emerging Leader Award.

16 Biz December 2017

We’ve got to get the mayor out of the law enforcement business.

port

Port of New Orleans Surpasses Half-Million Container Mark for Third Consecutive Year Port of New Orleans President and CEO Brandy D. Christian positioned the port as a global gateway, highlighting gains in cargo and cruise volumes in 2017, at the annual State of the Port address Nov. 9.

“Experts are projecting a 750,000 TEU (twenty-foot-equivalent units) increase in volume through Port NOLA in 2017, mostly fueled by the exports of petrochemical resins produced in Louisiana,” Christian said. “To offer some local perspective, a half-million TEUs is enough to fill every cubic foot of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome more than five-and-a-half times.”

top 10

awards

Top States for Early Retirement

RDnote Wins BioChallenge Business Competition

1. Wyoming

New Orleans-based startup RDnote won the $25,000 grand prize at the 2017 BioChallenge pitch competition, an annual business challenge for Louisiana life science startups by The New Orleans BioInnovation Center. RDnote is a digital health startup that helps healthcare providers deliver quality care and receive compensation for effective, customized nutrition interventions with high-risk patients in hospitals and clinics.

Four companies pitched in the competition finals Nov. 8 at the Joy Theater, including Instapath, Obatala Sciences and Ready Responders.

2/3. (tie) Kentucky and Mississippi 4. South Dakota 5. Florida 6. Tennessee 7. Delaware 8. Nevada 9. Louisiana 10. North Dakota Source: SmartAsset

As part of the competition the New Orleans BioFund, a micro venture capital fund and subsidiary of the BioInnovation Center, awarded RDnote an additional $25,000 investment prize. Audience members also selected Instapath via a text vote to win the $2,500 Audience Favorite award.

Christopher L. Roberts, Jefferson Parish Council Chairman, Councilman-at-Large, Division A, speaking at the State of Jefferson on Nov. 7., regarding advice he would give to the incoming mayor of New Orleans.

Roberts added that he’d also like to see the Sewerage and Water Board privatized.

apply now

JLNO Accepting Applications for Business Fellowship The Junior League of New Orleans is accepting applications for its Women Entrepreneur (WE) Fellowship, which will be awarded to a female entrepreneur during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (March 20-23, 2018). The grant has increased this year to $7,500. As part of the 12-month fellowship, the winner will also receive guidance with legal/human resources, accounting, investor development, marketing/communications and management/organizational consulting. The application deadline is January 7, 2018.

For more information, visit JLNO.org/WEFellowship.

Recent Openings

COMING SOON

DXC Technology Formed this year through a merger of CSC and the Enterprise Services business of Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Virginia-based firm DXC Technology will open a New Orleans office at a yet-to-bedetermined date. The office will employ an estimated 2,000 people with average salaries of $63,000.

Officials called the news the single largest jobs announcement in the city’s modern history.

SpringHill/TownePlace Suites Hotel management and construction company NewcrestImage has announced plans to renovate the former ODECO Building — named for its original tenant, the Ocean Drilling & Exploration Company — into the firstever dual-branded SpringHill and TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Louisiana. The two separate brands will be separated by floors, with one shared lobby and complimentary breakfast area.

J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center On Nov. 15, United Way of Southeast Louisiana hosted a ribbon cutting and open house for its new J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center, a partnership with the City of New Orleans’ Network for Economic Opportunity to provide access to a coordinated collaboration of employment and financial capability services through workforce development partners and UWSELA. The center is located at 2515 Canal Street.

Modernist Cuisine Gallery

Tommy Hilfiger

Photographer, chef, scientist and author Nathan Myhrvold opened his second Modernist Cuisine Gallery at 305 Royal Street on Nov. 13., just months after opening his first-ever gallery in Las Vegas. The 1,745-squarefoot gallery will sell limited edition prints of food photography taken by Myhrvold. This will be the second gallery in the world to solely display and sell food photography by a single artist.

Designer lifestyle brand Tommy Hilfiger opened at The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk® on Nov. 9.

The store joins other regional outlet locations in Gonzales, Louisiana, and Gulfport, Mississippi.

18 Biz December 2017

Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center Expansion On Nov. 9, representatives of Ochsner Health System and New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Owners Gayle and Tom Benson officially broke ground on a multimilliondollar expansion of the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner Medical Center — Jefferson Highway. The addition, the result of a $20 million gift from the Bensons, will double the size of the cancer center, increasing capacity to offer more high-quality services and advanced clinical research, making it one of the leading comprehensive destinations for cancer care across a multi-state region.

BizNewOrleans.com 19

Events 1

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7th Annual Economic & Real Estate Forecast Symposium: “New Perspectives on the Changing Economy”

Louisiana International Trade Week: “Going Gaga Over Global: Tourism and Destination Healthcare” panel Wednesday, November 1 | New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Tuesday, October 10 | Loyola University (Roussell Hall)

New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORS(r) and the Commercial Investment Division sponsored this all-day event, which included an economic real estate forecast by Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior VP of research for the National Association of REALTORs(r).

The heads of Ochsner, GNO, Inc. and New Orleans Tourism Marketing Commission gathered at Louisiana International Trade Week to discuss what the region has to do to become recognized as a center for destination healthcare.

1. Brad Jongbloed, Liz Broekman, Charles Lefevre and Joey LaRocca 2.

Cres Gardner, Jon Cerruti, Paul Richard, Kenny Hurst and Ryan Pearce 3.

Stephen Dickey, Guy Williams, Mamie Gasperecz, Brian Heiden and Jeff Rousseau

1. Mark Romig 2. Michael Hecht 3. Warner Thomas

20 Biz December 2017

photographs by cheryl gerber and jeff strout

BizNewOrleans.com 21

Events 1

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State of Jefferson Tuesday, November 7, 2017 | Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport

6th Annual Louisiana IT Symposium in partnership with Simmons & White Wednesday, November 8, 2017 | Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

Jefferson Parish Councilman-at-Large, Division A Chris Roberts and Jefferson Parish President Michael S. Yenni addressed various topics including traffic, the new airport expansion, the New Orleans mayoral race and the permitting process in the parish at this year’s State of Jefferson.

The Annual Louisiana IT Symposium presented a day filled with discussions focused on best practices and peer-to-peer networking for more than 300 participants, connecting IT teams from across the state and Gulf Coast.

1. Judge Michael Mentz, Christie Saladino and Gerry Cvitanovich 2. Mike Yenni 3. Ronnie Slone, Mary Fay Legnon and Brent Lawson

1. Alaynna King, Troy Brackett and Stephen Colgrides 2. Bill Bradley, Adam Arceneaux, Sanjeev Sah and Mike Gauthier 3. Bryan Ford, Lindsey Roussel, Willy Schley and Ginger Colton

22 Biz December 2017

photographs by cheryl gerber

BizNewOrleans.com 23

in the biz Biz columnists speak out

NOLA BY THE NUMBERS • DINING • TOURISM • SPORTS • ENTERTAINMENT • ENTREPRENEURSHIP • ETIQUETTE • MARKETING

sports

Two for Drew Saints need to offer Brees a two-year deal.

More on page 32

In the Biz n o l a by t h e n u m b e r s

Don’t Believe the Headlines New Orleans’ population is not shrinking.

By allison plyer

Allison Plyer is chief demographer of The Data Center in New Orleans. Dr. Plyer is author of The New Orleans Index series, developed in collaboration with the Brookings Institution to track the region’s progress toward prosperity, and she leads The Data Center’s research on the development of the water management cluster in Southeast Louisiana as published in The Coastal Index series.

M

ark Twain is said to have quipped, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

This quote comes to mind every time I read a headline declaring that New Orleans is losing population and the city is on the decline.

Let’s set the record straight. New Orleans is not losing population.

Between 2015 and 2016, 261 more people moved to New Orleans than moved away. Adding births and subtracting deaths, New Orleans’ total population grew by 1,757, according to the most recent Census estimates.

Where are reporters getting the idea that more people are leaving than coming? They are looking only at the domestic migration estimate, and they are failing to look at the international migration estimate to New Orleans.

While the Census Bureau calculated the domestic migration to New Orleans to be negative 759 between 2015 and 2016, they calculated the international migration to be positive 1,020.

Who is included in this estimate of international migration? It might include a doctor returning from deployment overseas to work at the new VA Hospital, a recent graduate from India moving to New Orleans on a work visa to fill a tech job, or someone returning from two years serving in the Peace Corps in Botswana.

A growing population often indicates expanding economic opportunities. The arrival of individuals from overseas is just as important an indicator of robustness as the arrival of individuals from other parts of the U.S.

26 Biz December 2017

In total, New Orleans’ population grew about 0.5 percent from 389,738 in July 1, 2015, to 391,495 in July 1, 2016, according to these Census estimates. For a more recent indicator of population growth, The Data Center tracks monthly counts of households actively receiving mail from the U.S. Postal Service. Looking at change from June 2016 to June 2017, postal data indicates that the New Orleans

population grew an additional one percent over the last year.

Moreover, the USPS data show that 85 percent of the city’s neighborhoods experienced an increase in active residences from 2016 to 2017. The largest gain was in the Central Business District, which experienced an increase of 168 occupied residences. Second was the Holy Cross neighborhood, which gained an impressive 107 active

addresses. Next on the list was Little Woods, which gained 95 residences, and Lakeview, which gained 85. Then Iberville, which is being redeveloped, gained 81 occupied residences.

Examining growth rates, the Florida and Iberville Developments have had the highest percent increase in active residences since 2016, followed by Holy Cross. These neighborhoods all grew by more than 6 percent. Lake Catherine, Central Business District, St. Anthony, and Filmore all grew between 3.1 and 6 percent as depicted on the map.

Only two neighborhoods lost a notable number of active residences over the last year. The Dillard neighborhood lost 1.9 percent of occupied households, and the Whitney neighborhood lost 3.2 percent.

All told, USPS data suggest that New Orleans’ population continues to grow in 2017. Data point to those neighborhoods that are experiencing the fastest growth. You can see more maps and download the annual data for all 72 New Orleans neighborhoods on our website, datacenterresearch.org. n

BizNewOrleans.com 27

In the Biz dining

On The Cutting Edge The Riverbend’s hidden jewel offers perfect gifts for any cook.

A native New Orleanian, Poppy Tooker has spent her life devoted to the cultural essence that food brings to Louisiana, a topic she explores weekly on her NPR-affiliated radio show, Louisiana Eats! From farmers markets to the homes and restaurants where our culinary traditions are revered and renewed, Poppy lends the voice of an insider to interested readers everywhere.

By Poppy Tooker

S

trolling down the tiny winding streets of Laguiole in southern France, Napoleonville, Louisiana native Jackie Blanchard passed store after store, all proudly proclaiming themselves as “Coutelier” which translates, “Knife Shop.”

Through the windows, she could spy dazzling arrays of knives for sale, tempting both budding and wellseasoned chefs alike. That special memory from Blanchard’s time as an apprentice in France helped inspire Coutelier NOLA, the tiny, jewel box of a knife and kitchen specialty shop located in New Orleans’ Riverbend at 8239 Oak Street.

After graduating from Nicholls State culinary program, Blanchard met her craftsmen. Japanese knives are lighter partner, Brandt Cox, in the kitchen at than European ones. They’re also John Besh’s Restaurant August, where thinner and made from harder steel she was a sous chef (and Cox’s boss). A that can be sharpened to an especially spark was kindled and the two spent the fine edge. next 15 years traveling and working in How has Japan overtaken the highthe best restaurants in America. end knife market? After World War II, Blanchard and Cox eventually sword-making ceased in Japan, so many returned to New Orleans and toyed families turned their generations-old with the idea of opening a restaurant. blacksmith skills to knife manufacturing.

Finding the market flooded with dining These master craftsmen are referred to as options, their thoughts turned instead “Shokunin,” or “living national treasure.” to cutlery – every chef ’s most prized Needless to say, their production is tool. They decided to open a shop that extremely limited. catered to the needs of both professional In order to stock Coutelier with the and home cooks. finest knives possible, Blanchard and Despite its French moniker, surpris- Cox travel annually to Japan, forging ingly, most of Coutelier’s offerings friendships in places like Niimi, a remote herald from Japan. Generations of chefs little mountain town in the Okinawa have traditionally chosen European Prefecture that is the home of Shosui steel knives, but in the last decade, Takeda, currently, Blanchard’s favorite many Western chefs have come to knife maker. His knives are made of prefer the work of Japan’s master the highest-quality Aogami Super Steel,

each blade truly one of a kind, with 50/50 beveled edges and the traditional blacksmith’s rustic, kurouchi finish.

With over 28 different manufacturers to choose from (including a smattering from France) how do you select the perfect knife? Blanchard says it’s a very personal decision, “like handbags, jewelry or shoes.”

“Your knife is an extension of your hand and tells the story of the quality of your work,” she says, advising buyers to pick each one up and see how it feels in their hand, checking for weight and balance.

The right tool always makes the job much easier, and on this front Coutelier’s offerings don’t end with just the finest knives. Also from Japan are specialty ceramic tabletop charcoal grills – the perfect thing to get a party started! The two professional chefs also stock their shelves with specialty pantry items like

Poirier’s cane syrup and sea salt from the Gulf of Mexico. Heirloom-quality custom spoons, cocktail muddlers and cutting boards from Kylee Thatcher in Clarksville, Tennessee, are displayed alongside hand-carved chopsticks and the ultimate in knife rolls and backpacks, made just for Coutelier.

I found the perfect stocking stuffer for all my chef friends – a mini mandolin protected by a folding mirror. Blanchard advised me that in Korea, women use it for slicing cucumber during facials, but chefs across the city are delighting in its precision for slicing radishes and garlic cloves. Japanese rust erasers are another unique gift, perfect for eliminating rust on heirloom cast iron.

Coutelier also offers knife sharpening.

Shipments of knives arrive regularly from chefs across the U.S. who rely on Blanchard to masterfully care for their knives and return them razor sharp.

Is grandma’s old carbon-steel knife rusting in the back of your kitchen drawer? Blanchard can fully restore it.

Serious cooks need serious knives, and serious knives are simply what Coutelier is all about. n Catch Poppy Tooker on her radio show, Louisiana Eats! Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 1 p.m. on WWNO 89.9 FM. photo by sara essex bradley

28 Biz December 2017

BizNewOrleans.com 29

In The Biz to u ri s m

An Early Bienvenue Holiday gift ideas for the travelers in your life

By Jennifer Gibson Schecter

Jennifer Gibson Schecter

L

was once a tourist in New Orleans herself and is now proud to call NOLA home. She also writes the Wednesday Tourism Blog on BizNewOrleans.com.

iving in an area that attracts a lot of tourists means locals often welcome out-of-town guests. Whether hosting them on our couches or in well-appointed guest rooms, New Orleanians pride ourselves on our hospitality. This holiday season, why not start the warm welcome early and send gifts to your loved ones in advance of their travels to the Crescent City?

the technical skill of the chef, and you can make plans to teach them how to create that dark roux when they visit.

Brands like Zatarain’s are relatively easy to find nationwide, but smaller local companies like Jambalaya Girl make jambalaya and gumbo bases that are flavorful, unique and not too spicy.

Of course, Tony Chachere’s needs to make an appearance, but consider some of the area offerings too. Kitchen Witch Cookbooks on Broad Street makes its own seasoning blends and will ship internationally.

Mardi Gras Merriment Those with travel plans for Mardi Gras 2018 likely have plane tickets purchased and hotel rooms booked.

Why not send them a teaser of the joy to come by having Haydel’s deliver a king cake to their door for the holidays?

Haydel’s offers a variety of packages at different price points that can include beads, doubloons and other Mardi Gras treats. If you want to send it as a true Christmas present, you can order a red and green version.

Dress Like a Local A growing trend in attire is the hyperlocal t-shirt. It’s no longer enough to wear gear depicting a hometown sports team or area college. We now need to wear inside jokes and images that play on the New Orleans sense of humor and pride of place. Help your tourists fit in with the locals by giving them shirts that imply they live in LA, not L.A. Locally owned Dirty Coast and Fleurty Girl are two of my favorite shops. Both boast multiple locations and online ordering. “Attack of the

30 Biz December 2017

Travel Accessories Flying Cockroaches” and “Sazerac: The Glass is Always Half Full” are just two examples of witty words and designs.

Festival Care Package Get creative and make a care package that will have them ready for any festival.

Hat, sunglasses, earplugs, bug spray, sunblock, handheld misting fan, koozies, handkerchief… you know the drill.

Think about the items you always have packed for a day at Jazz Fest or French Quarter Fest.

Are they coming to a festival for the first time? Send them a poster from a

previous year with an image on it you think they would enjoy, or make a “gift card” they can redeem for you to purchase them a print from their first festival in New Orleans.

Palate Adjusters Having grown up in a place that thought mild salsa was “hot sauce,” I empathize with visitors who arrive in New Orleans with an inexperienced palate. Choose some of your favorite local seasonings, sauces and food mixes and send them along with beloved recipes. Be mindful that the recipes should match

Your out-of-town guests will likely already have all of the technology they need to entertain themselves on their flight, but will they be able to make a craft cocktail while airborne? The website BitterSoutherner.com features an online shop where you can order “The Carry-On Cocktail Kit” to make the perfect Old Fashioned, Gin and Tonic or Bloody Mary. Every purchase helps support the southern storytelling and journalism the website provides.

Remember, regardless of what holiday you observe this time of year, a thoughtful gift from a friend is always welcome. n

BizNewOrleans.com 31

In The Biz sports

Two for Drew Saints need to offer Brees a two-year deal; find, groom quarterback of the future By chris price

Chris Price is an awardwinning journalist and public relations principal. When he’s not writing, he’s avid about music, the outdoors, and Saints, Ole Miss and Chelsea football. Price also authors the Friday Sports Column at BizNewOrleans.com.

D

rew Brees, the greatest Saints player to wear the black and gold, will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. While that designation might be a crossroads in the careers of many players, Brees, who has led the league in passing yards seven times — including 5,208 last season — has his career’s destiny in his own hands.

In September, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that since Brees has been named a franchise player thrice previously in contract negotiations, a league rule prevents the team from using the designation and blocking Brees from leaving should he choose to do so. No doubt he’d be a hot commodity on the open market in the quarterback-needy NFL, especially for a contender with money who feels they are one missing piece away from a Super Bowl run. But there is no reason for the Saints to not fight to keep him.

After Brees said he wants to play in New Orleans for as long as he can, the Saints may feel lax to make a new deal with an aging quarterback whose skills might begin to dull. Still, they must be cognizant of his competitive nature and desire for a second championship run, as well as the stacks of cash that could be thrown his way.

The future Hall of Famer is currently playing under a fully guaranteed, oneyear, $24.25 million contract with a $30 million signing bonus, but is on the team’s books for $19 million – $13 million in base salary with a $6 million signing bonus. This represents about 11.69 percent of the team’s cap space, according to Spotrac.com, an online

numbers

2017 Top 10 Average NFL Salary Rankings Drew Brees has the fifth-highest average salary among quarterbacks in the NFL this season, according to Spotrac.com, an online database of sports team and player contract information. Salary noted in millions of dollars.

1 Matthew Stafford $27.00 Lions

database of sports team and player contract information. Spotrac ranks his average salary as the fifth-highest quarterback in the NFL. Matthew Stafford’s $27 million leads the league.

Sure, there is the sentimental notion that Brees is a legend who deserves to retire as a Saint and apprehension that at 38 years old he could suffer a major injury or not keep up with the speed of the game, but right now he is the best player on the roster, and a career-ending injury could affect a rookie just as easily as a multi-year veteran. Although he’ll turn 39 in 2018, the team should sign their quarterback to a two-year deal, with the understanding that while the

team is his, they fully expect to draft and groom his replacement under his tutelage.

It’s likely going to take north of the $25 million a year mark to retain him, but it’s completely worth it. Now that the team isn’t carrying so much dead money on its salary cap roster, the Saints can afford to pay Brees, along with a full, talented supporting cast in all three phases of the game.

The day is coming when Drew Brees will move on from the Saints and the team has to be prepared, but there is a way for the Saints to avoid the drama and uncertainty of trying to find a new quarterback. The fact is Brees is the

2 Derek Carr

$25.00 Raiders

3 Andrew Luck

$24.59 Colts

4 Carson Palmer

$24.35 Cardinals

5 Drew Brees

$24.25 Saints

6 Kirk Cousins

$23.94 Redskins

7 Joe Flacco

$22.13 Ravens

8 Aaron Rodgers

$22.00 Packers

9 Russell Wilson

$21.90 Seahawks

10 Ben Roethlisberger $21.85 Steelers

face of the franchise, a fan favorite and merchandising cash cow, and there isn’t anyone who can come in and replace his productivity and leadership.

In this instance, the Saints have a valuable commodity – time.

They need to use it wisely. Keep Brees and build for the future. n

AP Images/Greg Trott

32 Biz December 2017

BizNewOrleans.com 33

In The Biz e n t e r ta i n m en t

Shedding Light on Our Darkness A locally produced pilot centering on crime in New Orleans will soon be meeting with HBO.

Kimberley Singletary is the managing editor of Biz New Orleans magazine. A 20-year Southern California veteran, she has been surrounded by the film industry for most of her life.

By Kim Singletary

A

local, independent filmmaker, Andrew Bryan has nothing but wonderful things to say about his time spent at UNO Film School. He will happily spend hours praising the film community here and has an obvious love of his adopted home of New Orleans.

Like all the rest of us, though, he struggles with the city’s crime problem.

The difference is, he is trying to tackle the problem by making a TV series about it.

Bryan’s creation, “Shepherd,” tells the story of a Catholic priest in New Orleans named Father Joseph that has become fed up with crime enough to take matters into his own hands.

Veteran local Lance Nichols (Treme, House of Cards, Into the Badlands), said he was immediately enthusiastic about the project.

“When I read the script, the hairs on my arm began to jump up one by one and I said, ‘Yes, absolutely. I want to be a part of it,” he said.

An unsuspecting hero that Bryan said was inspired in part by Breaking Bad’s Walter White, Father Joseph has a background in special ops, something Bryan based loosely on his own father, who has since become a born again Christian.

The scenes from the trailer are jarring, but sadly familiar to Bryan.

“In 2011 I was working as a camera operator for a project that shot in the

34 Biz December 2017

middle of the night a lot in Central City,” said Bryan. “At that point, cop attrition was the worst it had ever been.

Central City only had three policemen total working and they were definitely fighting an uphill battle.”

Bryan said it was far too common for the crew to roll up to a location and find a dead body in the street, or blood — or, one time, over 60 bullet casings.

“At that point I thought to myself, ‘What can I do as a filmmaker?’” he said. “My goal became to tell a story that would bring this issue into the national conversation.”

So he went about crafting a script, recruiting talent and crafting a proof-ofconcept short film he called Shepherd.

Unsure of how to proceed to creating a series, he called upon longtime friend and fellow local filmmaker, Owen Hornstein II.

Familiar with the city’s crime through his time working as a cameraman for a local news station, Hornstein had also written more than 20 feature film and television scripts.

Following a sold-out screening at the 2015 New Orleans Film Festival, Shepherd attracted a local investor that enabled the creation of an hour-long pilot that was completed this past February.

All of the filming for Shepherd was done locally by a local cast and crew of close to 60 people. About three-fourths of the film’s costs were covered through in-kind donations from local vendors and friends.

On October 15, Shepherd won Best Drama and Best Actor (Lance Nichols) at the Independent Television Festival in Manchester, Vermont. The wins meant the pilot would receive a development meeting with HBO.

As of early November, Bryan was still waiting on the details of the meeting, but he describes the opportunity as, “a dream,” calling HBO “the cream of the crop” and “really involved in bringing new voices to the forefront.”

While the hope is to land a distribution deal that will fund further production of the series, Bryan said that his dream is for Shepherd to “shine a spotlight on the negligence and desensitization towards rampant crime in poverty-stricken communities and provide a perspective that is both truthful and complex.”

Whatever the outcome of the meeting, he says he’s optimistic about the future.

“I keep hearing that everyone is looking for content from new, young, diverse voices,” he said. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of this industry.”

Side Note Shepherd recently screened to a sold-out crowd at Canal Place on Oct. 17 as part of the New Orleans Film Festival.

Additional screenings are currently in the works.

To watch the trailer, visit vimeo. com/214340218. n

BizNewOrleans.com 35

In The Biz e n t r e pr e n eu r s h i p

Building Women, Building the City The WBRC is bridging the gap between women and business.

By keith twitchell

F

rom Broadmoor to Bywater, entrepreneurial support programs and facilities seem to be popping up everywhere. Yet there are still segments of the New Orleans population not well represented in this ecosystem, and certain industries new businesses seem to be struggling to break into.

The Urban League of Louisiana’s Women’s Business Resource Center (WBRC) is helping to address both of these issues.

Launched in 2001, the purpose of the center is “to support women and other underserved groups by providing the education and resources they need to start or grow a business,” in the words of Director Klassi Duncan. The center provides a variety of classes and programs, as well as one-onone counseling. In addition, Recognizing this deficiency directed toward more established busithe WBRC connects clients to as an opportunity, in 2014 the nesses that are experiencing particular Danah Malone resources ranging from public Urban League established the challenges or obstacles. is operations manager of relations and marketing to Contractor’s Resource Center “A company may have lost a big Malone Electrical obtaining capital and bonding. Services, a WBRC (CRC) as an extension of client or contract, lost market share to As is the case in any city, client. Since the the WBRC. The instruction a new competitor,” Duncan explained. company began New Orleans city governat the CRC focuses on the “Sometimes they may just be holding on working with ment is the largest single WBRC in 2011, it more technical aspects of to that one big idea they had that got source of business contracts. has grown from the construction field, such them going in the first place, but that may a small startup This is especially true in the as bid preparation, project not be where the opportunity is today.” to a regional construction field. While business with 27 management, safety, compliRegardless of what is causing the employees. the city has been aggressive ance, licensing, bonding and current challenges, the WBRC assists in establishing DBE (Disadvantaged software-based estimating and sched- clients with analyzing their marketplace Business Enterprise) participation uling. The CRC includes a lab where and their risks, and, as needed, changing requirements for its contracts, too often nascent contractors can get hands- their business model and their approach. the DBE subcontracts are cobbled on experience with the software by “Businesses must be flexible, be together by the lead contractor in participating in simulated estimates willing to adjust to changes in their bits and pieces. Rarely, if ever, is a and bids. field,” said Duncan. “We help them woman- or minority-owned business Another unique component of the focus on remaining competitive and the lead contractor.

WBRC is that it offers programming relevant.”

36 Biz December 2017

Keith Twitchell spent 16 years running his own business before becoming president of the Committee for a Better New Orleans.

He has observed, supported and participated in entrepreneurial ventures at the street, neighborhood, nonprofit, micro- and macro-business levels.

She also urged companies not to wait until the last minute to seek help. “If you see a problem, don’t wait!” she added.

The WBRC is clearly having a significant impact among its targeted clientele, having served nearly 600 clients in just the past year and supported more than 40 new businesses in getting their start.

To give just two examples of successful companies owned by women, Malone Electrical Services has been a WRBC client since 2011. In that time it has grown from a small startup to a regional business with 27 employees. NOLA Steel, Fabrication and Erection has taken advantage of training and counseling provided by the WBRC since 2016 and is now participating in projects with the New Orleans Airport and Army Corps of Engineers.

“We attribute a lot of our success to working with the Urban League and their staff and attending their trainings,” reported NOLA Steel President Karen Williams.

Both the WRBC and CRC are now looking to expand their reach beyond Greater New Orleans, and continue offering services to clients and industries that are typically underserved.

“Like the businesses we serve,” said Duncan, “we want to be sure we are looking to the future and to what may change.” n

BizNewOrleans.com 37

In The Biz etiquet te

Becoming a Professional Four vital concepts for those new to their jobs or careers or striving for promotion

By Melanie Warner Spencer

Melanie Warner Spencer is

editor of New Orleans Bride and New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles and managing editor of Louisiana Life and Acadiana Profile. Spencer’s ever-expanding library of etiquette books is rivaled only by her ever-ready stash of blank thank-you notes. Submit business etiquette questions to Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.

D

uring my senior year of high school, a local businessman visited to talk to us about job interviews and the professional workplace. He advised dressing appropriately and, “for the job you want; not the job you have.”

He also discussed office etiquette, including treating everyone in the office — from the CEO to the cleaning crew — with respect and dignity, being a team player and avoiding gossip.

While I’ve sometimes failed at that last one on the list (it’s challenging to completely avoid office gossip), I’ve adhered to the advice.

If you are new to the workforce or your position (meaning you are a recent graduate or have been in your profession or job for one to three years), this column is for you. For those who are mid-career or veterans in their field, consider this a refresher.

Dress to Impress Wearing appropriate attire doesn’t stop after the interview.

With so many business casual or casual dress codes however, it can sometimes be difficult to discern how to dress for work. Ask about the company dress code. Emulate the attire of the most successful people in your company. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, especially if you are vying for a promotion.

Show up every single day dressed to impress and dressed for success. Even if you work in a casual office where everyone from the top down wears jeans and T-shirts, wear the best, most stylish version of that “uniform” within your

38 Biz December 2017

‘round the sheet cake or participate in the quarterly contest?

Because the CEO of your company thinks it’s important.

If you aren’t present — and you don’t have a legitimate reason — someone will take note of it. As odd as it might sound, even the office social events can impact your movement and growth in the company. Participation shows you are invested in the company culture.

Gossip Girl (and Boy)

budget. This principle shows respect for yourself, the job and the company.

It’s also a great confidence booster.

There are no small jobs Years ago I served as the press secretary and speechwriter for a governor’s wife.

Often we’d enter through the service doors and kitchens of event venues.

If she had visited even once before, she would remember the names of everyone she encountered, as well as details about their families. It was uncanny and impressive. Genuine hellos, hugs and inquiries were dished up with warmth and ease to executives, security personnel, celebrities, wait staff, doctors, maintenance workers,

receptionists and former presidents. It was the same when she’d stop by our offices at the Capitol.

If decency doesn’t sell you on the concept, remember this tidbit that every savvy businessperson knows: Receptionists are the gatekeepers and can make your life better or worse — your choice.

There’s no ‘I’ in Team From projects and parties to contests and team-building exercises, there are countless opportunities to illustrate you are a team player. But you get your work done well and on time, right?

So why should you have to go to the conference room for the latest gathering

There is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that we should all have tacked to our computer monitors: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

Gossip is intriguing and also, sometimes a person truly just needs to vent.

There is a fine line, however, between venting and creating a toxic atmosphere.

Assume that it will get back to the other person. Assume that your office walls are very thin and everything you say can be overheard.

The best rule to follow is one that I learned in my first newspaper job: Don’t say or write in an email (or text) anything you wouldn’t want splattered on the front page of the daily paper.

(Replace paper with news website or Twitter, if that makes it sounds less antiqued.) n

BizNewOrleans.com 39

In The Biz m a rke t i n g

Reflect and Recharge A new year means a new marketing plan.

By Julia carcamo

Julia Carcamo is president

2

018 is just days ahead of us. This means not only will we find ourselves taking half a second before we write a new year in the checkbooks, we’ll also hopefully be taking some time to try something new, especially when it comes to marketing.

and chief brand strategist at J Carcamo & Associates, an M Partners collaboration partner. Carcamo is also the co-founder of espÑOLA, a Hispanic marketing and engagement agency.

Get more insights at jcarcamoassociates.com.

A Look Back You probably tried a few different things this year. Some things worked, and some didn’t. Regarding the things that didn’t, well, a fellow business owner I know likes to refer to these failures as “tuition in my marketing education.”

It’s important, however, to know why your efforts succeeded or failed.

To do this, first, you must put your ego in a desk drawer. This step is all about the facts. Talk to team members — both those in and out of your department. Look at the results of your programs, your digital analytics, customer comments and the conversations taking place. Understand where your good business came from — and where the less than valuable came from as well. Consider speaking to your best customers, as well as those you’ve lost.

Setting Goals If you’re a small business owner, it’s time to set some serious measurable goals for 2018 that you can check along the way on the road to success. This step is about marketing program goals. In other words, it’s time to ask yourself, “What is going to indicate to me that my marketing program is helping me achieve my company goals?”

A perfect example is growth. Most, if not all, companies set a growth goal.

40 Biz December 2017

Ask for Input

If this is the case for your company, one example of a marketing program may be to look at Zip code pockets where your business is low. Look at these pockets and identify one or two that show promise. Then determine marketing programs that target those pockets. Set realistic, measurable goals for those programs. If those goals are too low, you need to rethink the program or supplement them.

Positioning, Branding and Message Clearly articulate your marketing message. Positioning and branding can be strong tools to compete in the marketplace, but only if they are used with a clear vision and in full support

of business objectives. This step can be a great creative outlet, but keep in mind that the creativity must still be in line with your company strategy, not something that stands apart from what the business is delivering.

The positioning of a value-based company is a great example. How many times have you seen messaging for companies promoting the value they give you for the dollar, only to find cheap products at a low price or good products at the same price you could’ve gotten online or much closer to your home?

To make sure your positioning is on target it’s important to get customer feedback. This can be done by large or small companies in many costefficient ways.

Unless you are the one and only customer capable of sustaining the business, you must ask for input to get different points of view. Your cashiers and customer service agents may not be a part of your marketing team, per se, but they see and hear everything happening with customers and product offerings so it’s important to bring them into the conversation.

Consider a fun internal promotion where great ideas are rewarded. First, give your employees information about the competition, your overall goals and how (and why) you want to position the business. Then open things up to suggestions. Of course you don’t have to use every idea, but if you get one great one, isn’t it worth combing through 20 not-so-great ideas? Plus, armed with great insight, your employees will now become your biggest and best brand ambassadors.

With these four basic steps, you should be well on your way to developing your marketing plan for the coming year. Keep in mind that your plan can, and should, adjust as the market demands, but because you are focused, your adjustments will always line up with your goals. n

BizNewOrleans.com 41

perspectives hot topics in southeast Louisiana industries

education • dining & entertainment • real estate & CONSTRUCTION • GUEST VIEWPOINT

dining & entertainment

All for One Fulton Street’s success comes down to one thing: teamwork.

More on page 48

Grand Isle Oyster Bar on Fulton Street

Perspectives ed u c at i o n

Educating for Today A look at what local colleges are doing to boost workforce development

LOOKING AHEAD

New Orleans Career and Technical Center Coming Next Year

By Maria Clark

A

ccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in trade, transportation and utilities in Louisiana averaged around 383,000 from March to August of this year. Construction jobs have grown from 147,000 to 154,000 in that same time period.

Healthcare — another growing industry — currently employs 130,960 people in the state according to the BLS. It makes sense then that programs highlighted by several of the two- and four-year institutions in Southeast Louisiana include construction, engineering, healthcare and jobs in the maritime industries.

This past July, the Orleans Parish School Board met to discuss the New Orleans Career and Technical Center, the goal of which is to train students interested in fields including health sciences, IT and skilled crafts or trades. Scheduled for a soft opening in 2018 at a location yet to be determined, the center will operate on a halfday schedule. High school students will be welcomed after their regular classes and offered the opportunity to work in spaces with materials and equipment in the trades in which they are interested.

Northshore Technical Community College “You have to have your finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the industry,” said Tina Tinney, the vice-chancellor of strategic initiatives at Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC).

The college recently announced several new initiatives that coincide with the opening of its new STEM Center in Lacombe in February to offer workforce training in highly competitive fields such as engineering and maritime.

NTCC has created a two-year maritime technology program on the Lacombe campus that offers industry-based certifications. The college also offers a course called Maritime Mondays to expose high school students to the necessary skill sets for that industry.

“There’s definitely more appreciation for skilled and middle management labor,” said Tinney. “We are trying to create these pathways in areas that will ultimately lead to a higher quality of life.”

In September 2016, NTCC announced that students interested in engineering jobs

44 Biz December 2017

or the maritime industry who completed certain course requirements could complete a four-year degree at either the University of New Orleans College of Engineering or at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Students would be able to complete their degrees in specialties such as civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering, as well as naval architecture and marine engineering.

University of New Orleans Jack Nicklow, president of the University of New Orleans, said that UNO has experienced growth in admissions in their engineering department, as well as the computer science program. Admissions numbers at UNO’s College of Engineering grew from 768 undergraduate students in 2016 to 884

The New Orleans Career and Technical Center will offer two courses for students interested in carpentry or working as medical assistants. The OPSB said it’s planning on either renting space or partnering with another organization until 2020 when they can open the center in its own space.

(Source: OPSB)

BizNewOrleans.com 45

Our focus isn’t so much on vocation, but we are looking at ways to grow the talent pool. We need people who can think critically and evolve.

Jack Nicklow, president of the University of New Orleans

in 2017. The Department of Computer Science has experienced similar growth, from 354 undergraduate students in 2016 to 389 in 2017.

“Our focus isn’t so much on vocation, but we are looking at ways to grow the talent pool,” said Nicklow. “We need people who can think critically and evolve. We’re not just hiring for today, we’re hiring for tomorrow.”

Partnerships with the U.S. Navy and NASA enable UNO to improve its curriculum based on the type of training employers require of their employees, he added.

In 2013, UNO announced that it was partnering with GE Digital to develop an apprenticeship program for students studying software engineering. The Software Engineering Apprenticeship Program is run by veteran software engineers and enables students to work as paid part-time software developers.

Nicklow said that 24 out of 25 students in the program last year were hired at GE. He added that UNO’s healthcare management program is also growing and students in the university’s pre-med, pre-nursing and pre-dental program have high acceptance rates into medical schools.

University of Holy Cross Across the river at the University of Holy Cross (UHC), the administration is also focused

46 Biz December 2017

on the growth of its healthcare departments.

Victoria Dahmes, vice-president for academic affairs, noted that UHC’s bachelor of science in nursing is a major contributor to workforce development efforts regionally and was recently ranked fourth in Louisiana

by RegisteredNursing.org.

The university partnered with Ochsner Health System to develop their Radiologic Technology Program, a nationally accredited program that combines academic and clinical study. Students can take classes at Holy Cross and at an Ochsner campus, Dahmes explained.

UHC has a similar affiliation with Ochsner for their neurodiagnostic technology program, which qualifies students to work as a telemetry monitor in a hospital setting or as an EKG technician.

“For the second year in a row the university can boast a 100 percent student pass rate,” said Dahmes.

Delgado Community College Delgado Community College’s Maritime and Industrial Training Center in New Orleans East is a little different than some of these other programs in that it’s training students already in the workforce.

The center is about 30 years old and has developed as a business entity partnering with companies in oil and gas, energy, and

MORE OPENINGS

Colleges Expand to Fill Workforce Demands Delgado’s 45,000-squarefoot Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center is planned to open in Avondale and will serve 3,000 students in programs such as marine engineering, transportation and logistics.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College is getting a new $21.4 million, 50,000-squarefoot campus with laboratories and a new library.

Baton Rouge Community College opened a new 20,000 square foot Collision Repair Training Technology center as a partnership with All Star Automotive in March.

the maritime industries to provide a variety of certifications required by those companies sometimes on an annual or biannual basis.

Every year hundreds of workers come to the center to receive a variety of certifications, including Coast Guard-approved radar and navigational training, firefighting and safety training during industrial fires.

“We train radar observers, pilots, captains, teach Coast Guard courses and even emergency medical care providers,” said Regina Radosta, the site facilitator.

In 2013, at the height of the oil and gas boom, the program certified 10,000 students from all over the world.

The subsequent downturn — which led to the elimination of more than 440,000 oil and gas jobs worldwide by the end of 2016, according to Houston-based consulting firm Graves & Co. — also impacted the training center at Delgado. In 2015, student numbers dropped to 5,000 as companies cut costs, according to the director of the center, Rick Schwab.

The center responded to the downturn by offering certifications in less time and allowing mid-career workers to come and get recertified.

“We are trying to be proactive by adapting what we offer, said Schwab. “We have diversified and started to offer classes for workers that need to be recertified so that they can keep their licenses current.”

A positive sign for both oil and gas, related industries and the center is that Delgado has started seeing entry-level employees in their classes once again.

“Companies are hiring again,” said Schwab. n

BizNewOrleans.com 47

Perspectives d i n i n g & e n t e r ta i n m e n t

All For One Fulton Street’s success comes down to one thing: teamwork.

By Jessica Rosgaard

W

hat was once a relatively abandoned and forgotten few blocks — passed over for the busy Poydras Street and Convention Center Boulevard — is becoming one of New Orleans’ main dining and entertainment destinations. Fulton Street, located in the city’s Warehouse District, has evolved quite a bit over the past 10 years.

A Bit of History To understand Fulton Street as it is in 2017, it helps to take a look back about 20 years to when New Orleans hosted the 1984 World’s Fair. The fair stretched across 84 acres along the Mississippi River ­— from the new structure into the existing today’s French Market down to historic urban warehouse architecthe Convention Center. The 1984 Fulton ture. The firm also designed the Alley Louisiana World Exposition had a brick pedestrian mall, entrance price tag of $350 million, and the portal facing the casino, casino unfortunate distinction of going bank- tunnel, landscaping and the bandrupt. Attendance was low, contractors stand. A key design element is space were laid off and vendors lost money. for sidewalk dining for restaurants on The Fulton Street Mall, as reported both sides of the street.

by The New York Times ( June 18, 1984), The World’s Fair-era comparison was “planned as a small version of to Bourbon Street is clear to Richard Bourbon Street with a lively mix of Campanella, Tulane University geoglate-night bistros, shops and fast-food raphy professor and author of Bourbon restaurants.”

Street: A History.

But merchants at the mall complained “I view Fulton Street as an attempt to about a lack of business, saying fairgoers keep some of the cache of Bourbon Street couldn’t find them. and the temptation of people staying in hotels in the Warehouse District and Today’s Fulton Central Business District, to give them a Bourbon Street replicate along Poydras, Fulton Street as we know it today came close to the casino, and spend money in into its own in 2006, after Hurricane that area,” he says. “To replicate what Katrina, with the construction of the works about Bourbon Street without Harrah’s Hotel — a 450-room luxury replicating what doesn’t work.” hotel and anchor property that revitalWhich is to say you won’t find anyone ized the street. Manning Architects selling “Big Ass Beers” on Fulton Street. designed the building, integrating What you will find is a mix of restaurants

48 Biz December 2017

offering a variety of entertainment and dining options with a wide range of price points.

Business & Entertainment The entertainment district and pedestrian mall of Fulton Street comprise the block from Poydras crossing over Lafayette. Harrah’s owns all of the buildings and land on the first block up to Lafayette Street.

Ownership and management of the businesses on Fulton Street is mixed.

Aprés Lounge and Ernst Café are independently owned and operated.

Harrah’s owns and operates Manning’s sports bar, as well as the hotel conference and meeting space. The casino leases property on the street to other businesses, including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Gordon Biersch, Grand Isle and Fulton Alley.

The restaurants offer a range of options — from the nationally recognizable boutique chain Gordon Biersch and New Orleans-born Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse,

to local restaurants like Aprés Lounge, Ernst Café and Grand Isle.

Chris Biehl is the director of food and beverage at Harrah’s New Orleans.

“Several of those restaurants are listed in the top 10 percent on Trip Advisor for best restaurants in the city,” Biehl says. “In addition to that you have a 450-room hotel that sits at over 90-percent occupancy, with almost 10,000 square feet of meeting space, and events going on in the courtyard.

You have all these different things happening simultaneously and it really becomes a bustling corridor.”

As Fulton Street has grown, the upscale bowling alley, Fulton Alley, has seen its business grow tremendously, according to General Manager Scott Hellmers. “When [owner] Kyle Brechtel opened Fulton Alley, he didn’t know exactly what to expect — though he strongly suspected that it was going to be successful and an exciting option for people,” Hellmers says. “Our big takeaway over the last two years is people love the area, people love to

BizNewOrleans.com 49

have events down here, both events open to the public, as well as events that are private to the different concepts.”

Ray Sutherlin is the spokesman for Aprés Lounge and Ernst Café, the two independently owned and operated businesses on Fulton.

“Fulton Street is very unique in New Orleans,” Sutherlin says. “This is a walking main street feel where you have several dining and entertainment options. Have a drink here, an appetizer there, go bowling, go gambling or see a show at Harrah’s if you want to.”

Weekends Are Dominated

by Locals “What you find are a variety of offerings so it’s not just one demographic that’s walking down the street looking for the same thing,” Biehl says. “The diversification of these outlets really speaks to the fact that we attract both locals and tourists, and I think they play off of each other very well.”

Fulton Street’s location also helps attract locals and tourists alike. “Lunch business Monday through Friday is very busy,” Sutherlin says. “We’re walking distance from thousands of office buildings and in striking distance from the convention center so we do get a lot of convention business.”

Chancie Sibley is the group sales manager at Gordon Biersch. She says development of Fulton Street has brought increased foot traffic — and increased visitors — to the restaurant.

“Hotels, restaurants and attractions have been built around us since our inception in 2004,” she says, “making our location a hot spot for tourists and locals.”

The street is also walking distance from downtown hotels and several residences in the booming condominium market of the Warehouse District.

“Between the businesses and the residences, and of course the tourists, it’s kind of an ideal location,” Sutherlin says. “But weekends, without question, are dominated by locals.”

Sutherlin also points to safety and accessibility as a big draw for Fulton Street. “A misconception about most of downtown New Orleans is that parking is a pain,” he says. “We’re right under several hundred parking spots, the Riverwalk parking lot, parking lots on South Peters. Then on top of all that, at 50 Biz December 2017

night it’s well lit. The safety of Fulton Street is a calling card.”

Events Aside from its restaurants and Harrah’s Hotel, Fulton Street is known for utilizing its outdoor space for unique events.

Ray Sutherlin oversees Derby on Fulton— the third year of which was held on May 6. Derby on Fulton celebrates the Kentucky Derby, with patrons turning out in their best seersucker suits and derby hats. Organizers turf the brick pedestrian boulevard and the event features live music and live horses, courtesy of their charity partner, the New Orleans Police Department Mounted Division — which is breeding their own horses at City Park. Sutherlin says attendance has grown at a rate of 20 to 25 percent each year, attracting between 700 and 1,200 people.

The other marquee event for Fulton Street is Miracle on Fulton, which is managed by Casey Biehl and Harrah’s.

The event, which began in 2007, attracts thousands of visitors from

December 1 through Christmas might not benefit at all,” Sutherlin Day each year. Miracle on Fulton says. “But it’s a partnership, and features photos with Santa and Apres the goal is to grow Fulton Street live local music every weekend. Lounge as a whole. To everybody’s credit, The Harrah’s bakery and pastry team everyone believes in that mission.” also constructs a gingerbread display, Fulton Alley’s Hellmers says a key housed inside the hotel lobby. The main goal for businesses on the street is attraction, though, is a rare sighting in growing awareness — for everyone. “We New Orleans: a daily snowfall. don’t look at each other as competitors “Miracle on Fulton has made a major on the same street. We look at each economic impact on all of us,” says Sibley other as partners,” he says. “And what’s of Gordon Biersch. “People come from good for one is typically good for all. all over to witness the decorations, lively As I like to say, the rising tide floats music and the amazing atmosphere. It all boats.” also helps us out in the long run, as it Sutherlin agrees. “It’s formed quite brings awareness to Fulton Street and the team. We have fun doing it, and as its many businesses.” far as I can tell, it’s unique. It’s not looked at as competition — everybody wants Unique Business to succeed, and we want everybody to Partnership succeed. That teamwork is powerful.”

Biehl adds that many opportunities All of the parties involved believe that still exist for Fulton Street.

Fulton Street as a whole is greater than “I do not think that the street is even the sum of its parts. tapped. I think partnerships with guys Sutherlin says the collaboration like Ray Sutherlin and all these good between businesses on Fulton Street partners that we have, I think there’s is unique. “Everybody agrees some of a lot of opportunity.” n these events will benefit some businesses more than others, and some

BizNewOrleans.com 51

Perspectives re a l es tat e & CONSTRUCTION

Building a Foundation for Learning A look at how renovations and new projects at local schools are contributing to the growth and success of education in the city.

By Keith Loria

T

he late Fr. Harry Tompson spent much of his life as an education champion and always preached that New Orleans’ future rested on “the hearts and minds of our children.”

He started The Good Shepherd School 17 years ago to give an opportunity to children who would otherwise not have one and make a positive impact on the city.

Earlier this year, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, L.L.C. (RGGC) broke ground on a new Good Shepherd School, located downtown on Baronne Street, at a new location in Gentilly. Currently the school serves one class per grade while the new building will serve two classes for grades Pre-K4 through seventh grade.

“The new building will allow the school to double its enrollment and will have enough ground space for outside activities with the possibility of future expansions,” says Ryan Gootee, president and CEO of the Metairiebased company. “The building will be a twostory slab on grade, rigid steel structure with a two-story atrium. Additionally, a full-service kitchen and dining room will occupy a part of the first floor.”

By next school year, the project will offer upwards of 280 children a chance to receive an education in an atmosphere that lends support and encourages personal growth.

“An educated citizenry is the backbone of innovation and offers the greatest chance of influencing the future of New Orleans,” Gootee says.

School-related projects comprise more than 35 percent of the firm’s portfolio. For example, when Christian Brothers School folded into St. Anthony of Padua School on Canal Street, RGGC renovated two existing

52 Biz December 2017

buildings with interior and exterior upgrades, as well as added playground and parking lot improvements.

It also recently designed Newman Green Trees, a facility created as “a warm and welcoming village” for early education, which includes 12 classrooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and flexible spaces for teaching and learning.

“The entire school system, both public and private, has dramatically advanced since 2005. Just as a good work atmosphere in the office space has proven to raise productivity and improve the work product, the same has been demonstrated in the classroom setting,” Gootee says. “With so many schools being completely rebuilt or renovated following Katrina, educational innovations have been incorporated not only into the classroom structure, but also in the technological advances that are available today.”

Impacting the Community The quality of construction, the organization of spaces and the integration of state-of-the-art technologies has raised the bar as an example of what is possible in school design regionally, and this has fostered elevated expectations reflected in student performance in both academics and community life.

Michael Lachin, AIA, president of Lachin Architects, APC in New Orleans, notes the office has always engaged in a variety of educational projects in most of the parishes in the metro New Orleans area, including working on building repairs, classroom additions, entirely new schools and a new administrative complex for the St. Tammany Parish School Board.

“Educational facilities since Katrina have dominated our design portfolio and we continue to be passionate about improving

When Christian Brothers School folded into St. Anthony of Padua School on Canal Street, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, L.L.C. renovated two existing buildings with interior and exterior upgrades, as well as added playground and parking lot improvements.

our design expertise to achieve the best possible outcomes,” he says. “Our design philosophy has always been primarily focused on the students’ learning experience and what we as architects can provide to the best learning environment while being mindful of how these environments fit into the fabric of the community.”

Lachin’s latest work, the 122,064-square-foot Arlene Meraux Elementary School in Chalmette, just opened in August and was designed to accommodate the expanding population base for kindergarten through fifth-grade levels.

Built on an undeveloped, donated site along Paris Road, the school includes 44 classrooms, three computer labs, a music room, an art lab, a resource center/library, a full-service kitchen and cafetorium, plus a gymnasium.

The “figure eight” configuration of the building footprint allows for access to all spaces within the school without having to exit the building—a feature of considerable benefit during inclement weather that also improves security.

“The school was designed with all flood-resistant materials up to 10 feet high on one level to facilitate a quick recovery in the event of another flood,” Lachin says. “Critical mechanical and electrical systems were installed on raised mezzanines 15 feet off the first-floor level located strategically throughout the building, well protected from future floods.”

The project also included considerable site work with parking for more than 300 cars, and an extensive sub-surface storm water retention system to manage rain water run-off.

The firm also recently worked on the Langston Hughes Elementary School in New Orleans, the first “Quick Start” school to finish on time and within budget. It holds the distinction of being the first LEED-certified new school in the state.

“The long, narrow urban neighborhood site required careful organization of spaces and coordination with bus and parent traffic patterns,” Lachin says. “The school features a central courtyard with an ‘Edible Schoolyard’ as a teaching tool that allows students to grow and harvest their own food.”

Brian Faucheux, principal with Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects, is proud that his firm has had the opportunity to design several of the new school projects in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charter High School in the Lower Ninth Ward and Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary in Gentilly.

“Our work on these new school projects has been tremendously important to our architectural firm—first, as a representation of our continuing efforts to help rebuild our city since Katrina, as

BizNewOrleans.com 53

well as expanding our business in the growing educational sector,” he says. “It is rare that a large metropolitan city would have the opportunity to completely rebuild its public school facilities’ infrastructure as has been accomplished in New Orleans over the past several years. This opportunity has been one of the most important ‘silver linings’ to come out of the Katrina disaster.”

With the vast financial assistance provided through FEMA, the city’s students can now learn and develop in new, state-of-the-art school environments that support current 21st Century School learning concepts.

The modern, colorful, three-story school design of the 140,000-square-foot Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School includes classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, 450-seat theater and library/media center for grades K-12. The design incorporates many sustainable, energy-saving strategies and will achieve its goal of LEED Silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.

Designed for 750 students, the state-ofthe-art facility is a catalyst for continued residential development and a symbol of the rebirth of the Katrina-devastated Lower Ninth Ward community.

“A successful school design leaves a positive impact on its local community, a contributor to the built solution, and its users—teachers and students—by creating a unique, teaching environment in a facility appropriately suited to its neighborhood,” Faucheux says. “It’s through participation in this process that it is no surprise that the Gentilly community has embraced its new educational neighbor.”

Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects also recently completed the 228,000-square-foot McDonogh 35 Senior High School, the 106,000-square-foot Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, and the 106,000-squarefoot Pierre A. Capdau Charter School at Avery Alexander Elementary School.

Allan McDonnel, president of The McDonnel Group, Metairie, says schools are a vertical market segment the company makes a concerted effort to participate in, and that is important to its work focus. In fact, schools account for as much as 30 percent of its total annual work volume per year.

“The learning environment is greatly enhanced, contributing to the growth and success of the education industry,” he says.

“The atmosphere and technology incorporated into the current designs have augmented the area’s qualifications.”

54 Biz December 2017

For example, the firm recently completed two new schools for the Louisiana RSD—the Ernest “Dutch” Morial School and the Ray Abrams School, positioned approximately one mile from each other in New Orleans East.

Each school is a three-story, 139,406-squarefoot building with the capacity to accommodate 1,000 students in pre-K through eighth grade.

The new schools were designed to LEED Silver (pending) specifications by Waggonner & Ball Architects and include special education classrooms, science classrooms and labs, media centers, cafeteria and dining facilities, a commercial kitchen, a gymnasium/auditorium

with concessions and a locker room, art and music rooms with flexible performance spaces and office space for administrative and student support services.

“These schools incorporated a tremendous amount of masonry. These are new schools designed to a highly sophisticated standard and incorporated into low- to moderateincome surroundings,” McDonnel says. “New buildings in an outdated area boost morale of the local population. Parents knowing children have a new environment creates a more positive perspective and the children are more receptive to learning and respect the environment more.” n

(Top) The McDonnel Group recently completed the Ernest “Dutch” Morial School.

(Bottom) Lachin Architects, APC’s latest work, the Arlene Meraux Elementary School in Chalmette, was designed to accommodate the expanding population base for kindergarten through fifth grade levels.

BizNewOrleans.com 55

Perspectives g u es t V IE W POINT

The $5 Logo: Is It for You? Behind the scenes of cyber-branding

By Freda Paz

T

he $5 logo is not a hoax. It’s a product offered on the internet by several sources — same goes for the $99 website or the close-to-free business cards.

How do you acquire such marketing tool bargains? Well, it starts with spending time navigating the internet, weeding through options and checking out (hopefully) web reviews.

Once a selection is made, you most likely have to create logins, fill profiles, read instructions, select specifications (in the case of print products) and probably a few more steps, depending on the service, product or vendor.

What should you expect in terms of results? In the case of a logo, you may expect it to be on point if your instructions were clear, industry-appropriate and probably good looking (after all, you might have received several options from a team of designers all over the world!) Sounds good, right? Let’s take a closer look.

In my research I came across a particular story in which the client was so excited about his new logo that he put it up for discussion on his social media blog. While the answers were mostly favorable, it did not take long for the cyber-originated logo to be compared to an existing one. Another similar complaint was that the main icon of the logo was directly lifted from royalty-free clipart.

If the above creates disappointment, let’s try to understand the designer’s perspective. How long could any one of us afford to spend in creating a logo for $5? If we consider the average $45 hourly rate of a graphic designer that amounts to only 7 minutes! What would you do if you were one of them?

56 Biz December 2017

Exactly! Make use of whatever quick tool you’d find along the way and get the job done as quickly as possible; even if it just sort of works.

So, is this to prove the $5 logo is a bad option? Absolutely not! The question is, is it for you?

Things to Consider: Additional fees. A $5 logo may not

include hidden fees required to add some necessities such as creation of production files (can’t print without them!) or expedited service.

Business longevity and logo’s reach.

There is a huge difference in investing in a temporary logo and one that will carry you through decades. If you are planning to offer, for instance, lawn services during the summer and need to pass out a few flyers, the cheaper option makes all the sense in the world.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to establish your business in a market full of competitors or present to a boardroom deciding the future of your product, you may require a greater investment.

The Art Director. In the $5 logo busi-

The $5 Logo: It is important

ness, you are the director. Anticipating and visualizing the key elements that convey the right message of your product or business could be a tricky thing managed best by trained professionals.

If you don’t trust your “art direction” skills, this option may not be for you.

to understand that $5 is only “the hook.” You will be offered endless options in terms of levels of service, numbers of sketches or various industry standard production files.

Every single option adds to the bottom line.

The value of your time. The time spent in researching and selecting a supplier in cyber branding could be lengthy — even more so if you take into account managing the production process. If you happen to be the lucky individual who is momentarily benefiting from down time, go for it!

But if you are on the clock or quickly associate a dollar figure to each hour of your day, well, do the math.

Pros:

So, Where Should One Go For a Logo?

There are endless options out there ranging from the $5 to $25,000 logo and beyond. Here are some brief comparisons to satisfy general understanding and hopefully shed some light:

• Fast • Cheap Cons:

• Lack of originality — parts or entire logo could be generated from existing icon libraries • Your logo may look like someone else’s • You run the risk of finding yourself in violation of copyright laws

The $99 Contest Logo: In this category, your logo is handled by several designers (sometimes all over the world) who compete for your selection. The results could be surprisingly decent; however, watch out for originality issues.

Pros:

• Affordable • Fast • Decent chance of getting some good options Cons:

• Risk of plagiarism. The relatively low fee still rushes the design process, which can prompt designers to take short cuts • Commonly offered options to upgrade design services may put you borderline in price with much better custom options

The Freelancer: From the student right out of college to the pro with several years of experience willing to make money on the side, the freelancer seems to be a relatively good option, at least from the “human contact” perspective.

With this option, here are some key points to consider: Pros:

• Moderate pricing starting at about $300 • Lots of pros in the pool; you may find a great designer Cons:

• Huge disparity in skills. Doing your research is a must • Possibly a longer turnaround time, particularly if the freelancer does this type of work on the side and only works for you a few hours a week • Personality issues. Remember, working one-on-one with a professional can be tricky. Watch out for big egos

Design Firm: Design firms are the heavy hitters of the logo design world. With an impressive set of skills among their team, most firms are reliable sources with professionals who’ve been around the block and piled up a few design awards.

Pros:

• Most likely working with pros that hit your target

• Will stand behind their work • Will offer other related services that you may need down the line (one-stop-shop) Cons:

• Expensive! $5,000, 25,000…and beyond • Most design firms work in teams and are therefore unable to touch on a project for less than an already high fee. If your logo is priced below, let’s say, $5,000, be cautious…your account could be in the hands of a junior designer. In this case, you’re better off doing your research and finding someone in the previous categories.

The Wardrobe Analogy: Studies show most people invest a lot of time and money in deciding on the appropriate suit and accessories to make the right impression on clients. Considering the cost of a statement pair of shoes, handbag or tailored coat, are you comfortable leaving a Calling Card with a $5 logo imprinted on it?

Remember: Your logo is an investment in your brand.n

Freda Paz owns The Calling Card,

a design and print store in the Arts District in Downtown New Orleans where she expands design and print services in the business entrepreneurial and event markets.

Presenting products and services through samples and displays, the store offers an interactive and engaging experience for those who appreciate guidance and direct consulting.

BizNewOrleans.com 57

1

Top Ten Stories of the Year A look at the headlines that changed business in 2017

0 1

1 Healthcare Industry Explosion

New Orleans is leading the nation.

By Kim Singletary

Greater New Orleans currently

ranks first in the nation for healthcare job growth.

In the past 10 years, jobs in this sector have increased by 78 percent, and research by GNO, Inc. predicts that healthcare will continue to be the top sector for job growth in the region through at least 2026.

This may not come as a surprise if you’ve been paying attention to all the hospital, health center and clinic openings recently, including the $1.1 billion University Medical Center, which opened in 2015, followed only one year later by the $1 billion VA Medical Center in 2016.

In 2017, the growth just continued, especially with Ochsner, Louisiana’s largest not-for-profit health system and the largest employer in the state.

Ochsner celebrated more than half a dozen openings of clinics or health

centers, including in Gretna, Houma, in Port Sulphur at Plaquemines Slidell, Laplace and Denham Springs.

Medical Center.

In June, the healthcare giant In February, Tulane University opened the Ochsner Baton Rouge Medical Group opened Tulane Cancer Center, a 20,000-square-foot Orthopaedic Spine Center at East center that is currently the only Jefferson General Hospital’s campus. cancer program in Baton Rouge In May, Tulane opened the $1.1 utilizing a fully-integrated electronic million Professional Athlete Care medical record system.

Team Clinic for former pro athletes The center is included in the as part of the Tulane Institute announcement of Ochsner’s of Sports Medicine.

Louis Armstrong pledged $100 million expanIn July, Tulane opened Tulane sion into the Greater Baton International Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Departure Rouge region, which includes Disease Center at Tulane LakeGate development of a new medical side Hospital for Women and office building, micro-hospital Children in Metairie. and surgical center along the I-10 In August, CrescentCare broke Bluebonnet/Siegen Corridor, and ground on a $23 million comprethe expansion of several new clinics hensive health center on Elysian across multiple parishes. Anticipated Fields Ave. in New Orleans. completion date for the new medical Finally, in September, New Orleans office building, micro-hospital and East Hospital opened the New surgical center is scheduled for 2019.

Orleans East Clinic, Tulane opened Additional openings in 2017 have its newly renovated $3.8 million Bone included the following: Marrow Transplant (BMT) program In January, The Family Doctors, a and Children’s Hospital opened division of West Jefferson Medical its Children’s Pediatrics clinic in Center, opened a new primary clinic Laplace. n

2 MSY Continues to Take Off

Airline service is expanding and passenger totals are breaking records.

By Kim Singletary

Louis Armstrong New Orleans

International Airport (MSY) was the second-fastest growing airport in the nation (behind Dallas Love Field) from 2006 to 2016 according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Passenger totals for 2016 were record breaking — topping 11 million, a 4.4 percent increase over the previous record set in 2015, of over 10 million. MSY now hosts 15 airlines and serves 59 nonstop destinations, including six international, with about 150 daily departures.

The highly anticipated new North Terminal project has been underway since January 2016, but this January, the New Orleans Aviation Board voted to expand the project from 30 to 35 gates.

Calling the terminal “the most transformative project for New Orleans since the Superdome,” Mayor Landrieu has noted the projected $1.7 billion in economic impact from construction of the terminal and $3.2 billion in expected annual economic impact on tourism. The 972,000-square-foot addition is set to open February 2019.

Starting in February, Allegiant Air began nonstop service to New Orleans from Cleveland and Raleigh-Durham.

In March, British Airways launched its first flight. The route received such a strong reception that the airline quickly added another day, bringing service to five days a week during peak months.

More than one-third of all flights from MSY are Southwest, which also expanded service. New seasonal departures to Indianapolis and Pittsburgh started once a week in March, and nonstop service to RaleighDurham International Airport in North Carolina and John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio began in April.

From May 19 through June 16, Vacation Express expanded its service to Cancun, and May also brought new routes from Spirit Airlines to Baltimore, Cleveland and Orlando.

This fall, Alaska Airlines began nonstop daily service from New

Orleans to San Francisco on Sept.

21, and Spirit Airlines expanded its service with nonstop flights from New Orleans to Boston, Newark/ New York, Tampa and Minneapolis/ St. Paul in November.

Looking into the future, on March 22, 2018, Spirit Airlines has announced it will also begin seasonal flights three times a week to Columbus, Ohio, through Nov. 7, 2018.

Following up on its inaugural service this past summer, Condor Airlines also announced it will again be offering twice-weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays from May 17, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2018, from New Orleans to Frankfurt International Airport. n

3 Louisiana Coastal Master Plan Allocates $50 Billion

The third installment of the plan to save our coastline passed in June.

By Kim Singletary

projects to be created that will build Louisiana Coastal Master Plan, $18 or maintain 800 square miles of land. billion has been spent on restoration The first 15 years of the $50 billion and coastal protection projects in 20 plan will be financed primarily from parishes, 256 miles of levees were an $8.7 billion BP oil settlement, improved, and 45 miles of barrier plus an additional $100 million a islands and banks were constructed. year in anticipated revenues from That sounds like a lot, but 10 years offshore oil and gas. The two biggest later, Louisiana’s land loss problem is pieces of the plan in terms of cost so bad that both the Louisiana state are $19 billion allocated for structural government and federal government protection and $18 billion for marsh have declared it a national crisis. creation. Another $6 billion will go Two-thousand and six square miles toward nonstructural risk reduction, — that’s how much of Louisiana’s $5 billion to sediment diversions and coastline disappeared between 1932 $2 billion to other types of restoraand 2016 according to a study by the tion projects.

U.S. Geological Survey.

Besides its work to ensure Louisiana “Basically, the problem is an still exists for generations to The fishing existential threat to not only come, the plan was also praised community of our coastline, but our culture Delacroix Island by Michael Hecht, president is surrounded and way of life,” explained and CEO of Greater New by fragmenting and eroding Marty Mayer in the August Orleans, Inc., for its aid in marshland and 2017 issue of Biz New Orleans. creating a new industry in coastal waters.

President and CEO of Stirling the region.

Properties, Mayer also heads a “Due in large part to the business-led advocacy group called implementation of the plan’s projthe Coalition for Coastal Resilience ects, the water sector is expected to and Economy (CCRE) which spent grow by 22 percent by 2026,” he said three years working to support the in an official statement praising the plan’s passage in June, “providing latest version of the master plan.

The 2017 Louisiana Coastal Master nearly 36,000 high-paying jobs for Plan passed on June 2. It calls for 124 the region.” n Since the 2007 version of the

4 Riverfront Plans Announced

New Orleans aims to develop the largest contiguous public waterfront in the U.S.

By Kim Roberts

On Oct. 27, Mayor Mitch Landrieu

announced that multiple riverfront redevelopment projects are in the works between Spanish Plaza and Crescent Park, which will be developed over the next two to three years.

The 3.2-mile stretch of property is projected to become the largest contiguous public waterfront in the country.

“Despite their proximity, many historic neighborhoods and the public have been cut off from the river in areas by floodwalls, railroads and industrial wharves,” Landrieu said, adding, “Since we were founded 300 years ago, the Mississippi River has been our most cherished resource.”

While the plan, for now, calls mostly for open park space along the riverfront, Landrieu isn’t discounting the possibility of turning the riverfront into a revenue generator in the future. A proposal is on the table to create an economic development district that would cover the area, allowing the city to gain additional

revenue from any attractions that may be built there in the future.

Projects cited by the Mayor’s Office as part of the overall riverfront redevelopment include $15 million to convert the Esplanade and Gov. Nicholls Street wharves as part of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad trade. There’s also $37 million for a new ferry terminal at the foot of Canal Street, $6 million in improvements to Woldenberg Riverfront Park and $3 million in renovations to Moonwalk Park, the $400 million redevelopment of the World Trade Center into a Four Seasons hotel and condos and a $7.5 million refurbishment of Spanish Plaza.

Also included in these plans is Crescent Park, which was completed in 2015 at a cost of $31.2 million.

The series of projects will be completed over the next several years, with many not wrapping up until after Landrieu leaves office in May 2018. n

5 Railroad Exchange

Ending years of uncertainty, The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad now lies in the hands of The Port of New Orleans.

By Chris Price

Class 1 railroads – CSX Transportation, New Orleans traded the New Orleans Norfolk Southern Railway, BNSF Public Belt Railroad to the Port of Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, New Orleans in exchange for the Canadian National Railway, and Gov. Nicholls and Esplanade Avenue Kansas City Southern Railway. The wharves, prime waterfront real estate NOPB connects the city to a combined just downriver from the French network of more than 132,000 miles Quarter. The deal ended years of of tracks that reaches every major speculation as to whether the market in North America. city would sell the railroad to These efficiencies provide New Orleans a private operator. port tenants lower shipping is served by With the acquisition of the all six Class 1 rates and faster shipping times railroads. railroad, it is expected that the due to direct delivery on one port will gain a greater competirailroad line compared to using tive advantage in international multiple carriers. In addition, trade, many of its 22 tenants will companies can ship goods directly to invest and grow their operations, and multiple markets from the Big Easy, real estate on the Industrial Canal lowering costs by preventing shipwill see redevelopment. ping, warehousing and distributing New Orleans is the only city in from multiple locations across the the United States with a deep-water country. port and a north-south and east-west “With the NOPB and Port NOLA railroad gateway served by all six alignment, the port controls a larger This past September, the City of

portion of the supply chain and can plan future investments and operations synergistically and strategically,” said Port of New Orleans President and CEO Brandy D. Christian. “This increases our logistical competitive advantage globally.”

For the past two years, many port tenants held off on multimillion dollar capital improvements in New Orleans until the railroad’s future was settled.

“With the resolution of the railroad’s ownership, port tenants who rely on the NOPB’s service can invest in New Orleans with confidence,” Christian said. “The NOPB will continue its service to the port, its tenants and as a switching railroad for the six Class I railroads, as it has since its inception.”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu called the transfer a “win-win-win” for the city, railroad and the port, and said the move would allow for greater opportunity to facilitate commerce and economic development. The city plans to convert the wharf space into part of Crescent Park, which will stretch from roughly Iberville Street in the French Quarter to Alvar Street in the Bywater. n

6 Proton Therapy Center On Its Way

Promising cancer treatment with fewer side effects, the $100 million Louisiana Proton Therapy Center could be a boon to medical tourism in New Orleans.

By Ashley McLellan

bringing patients to the area for is coming to Louisiana with the premium diagnosis and care, and development of a $100 million proton making New Orleans a destinatherapy treatment center in New tion city for cancer treatment. Both Orleans. patients and their families will Knoxville Tennessee Provision benefit from the city’s availability of Healthcare aims to partner with hotel rooms, restaurants, attractions University Medical Center, LCMC and and easy access to facilities.

LSU Health Services Center in New Proton therapy provides a gentler Orleans to provide ProNova alternative to more well-known SC360 Proton Therapy System NOPSI Hotel cancer treatments, such as radiaNew Orleans’ treatment. Louisiana Governor tion, by inundating cancer cells original façade was John Bel Edwards and Provision with positively charged energy meticulously Healthcare CEO Terry Douglass directly into the tumor, and restored. made the announcement in a producing less side effects for press conference this past April. the patient.

The Louisiana Proton Therapy The new 31,000-square-foot center Center will provide 60 new jobs,with will be built within the growing salaries starting at $100,000, along University Medical corridor along with an additional 63 indirect jobs.

Canal Street, with its closest proton Provision aims to open centers in treatment center competitors located Knoxville and Orlando, although in Shreveport and Houston. After the total number of proton therapy breaking ground in late 2017, the centers in the U.S. is limited. Nearly center is slated to be up and ready 1.7 million Americans are diagnosed for patients in late 2019. n with cancer each year. With 340,000 people currently considered good candidates for proton treatment, only 24 treatment centers are available in the U.S. The center is another step in the city’s focus on medical tourism, Cutting-edge cancer treatment

7

Downtown Boom Gets Another Boost The neighborhood’s renaissance includes the opening of three notable historic renovations this year.

By Ashley McLellan

Downtown New Orleans covers

over 1.2 miles of walkable space, is the largest employment center in Louisiana at 62,000 jobs, and with its access to art galleries, museums and sporting events, the demand for hotels and housing has made it the fastest-growing neighborhood in the city.

The Pythian, located at 234 Loyola Avenue, was selected for a 2017 Downtown NOLA Award by the Downtown Development District for its contribution to the neighborhood through its historic renovation.

The building, which started as the Pythian Temple community center in 1908, reopened in May after a $44 million renovation by co-developers ERG Enterprises, Crescent City Community Land Trust and Green Coast Enterprises.

Construction is complete on the 69 apartments — 25 dedicated to workforce housing, 38 available at market rates and six penthouse apartments. One- and two-bedroom apartments are currently available for leasing, as well as six penthouses.

The Pythian also includes a community clinic, a physical therapy center through Magnolia Physical Therapy and will soon be adding the much-anticipated Pythian Market, featuring food vendors and dining.

After a more than $33 million renovation, the NOPSI Hotel held its grand opening on July 6. Located at 317 Baronne Street, in the former New Orleans Public Service Inc. building, NOPSI is an upscale boutique hotel with 217 rooms, 14,000 square feet of meeting space and a restaurant called Public Service. The historic, nine-story 1927 building, which will be managed by Salamander Hotels and Resorts, was acquired for $11.6 million by Connecticut-based Building and Land Technology.

The transformation of the former Pickwick Social Club, 1028 Canal Street, is the latest development to be announced in the downtown area. Located directly across from the Saenger Theater, the building was purchased by Hostelling International, USA, with plans for a hostel featuring more than 126 dorm-style

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shared rooms, 24 private rooms, a café and meeting space. The renovation on the building is set to be complete in fall 2018. n

The Short-Term Rental War Rages On

This year’s new regulations aim to help police a practice that some say just exacerbates New Orleans’ already unaffordable housing market.

By Jessica Rosgaard

New Orleans’ long anticipated

short-term-rental zoning ordinance went into effect on April 1 — regulating an activity that, until then, had been technically illegal, but rarely enforced. New Orleans became the first city to enter into an agreement with Airbnb regarding licensing and enforcement of short-term rentals advertised on their platform.

The ordinance allows for three types of short-term rental properties, with different occupancy allowances for each one. An accessory STR is one where the owner lives on the property full-time and rents out a

spare bedroom, or, for example, the the availability, and cost, of rental other side of their double. properties for residents at a time If you live on the property, you when housing affordability is already can run part of it as an STR for 365 an issue. The potential income for a nights a year. property owner running a short-term For a temporary STR, the rental is often more than what This fall’s owner does not need to be on Besh scandal could be charged for monthly followed the premises while a guest rent, which drives up rental an eightmonth-long rents out the house — but this prices. kind of rental is limited to 90 investigation.

Taking properties off the fullnights per year. The commercial time rental market and moving STR is limited in scope — though them to the short-term rental market unrestricted by the number of units puts a squeeze on the residential or nights rented, the property has housing supply. to be in a commercially zoned area.

While the regulations are meant A website maintained by the city to bring some order to the chaos government shows the status of and revenue to the city, even the applications for over 6,000 short-term New Orleans City Council admitted rentals in New Orleans — approved, that the regulations would likely pending and denied. need to be revised after going into The issue has been polarizing effect — which means we may see in cities around the world — and more changes to short-term rental New Orleans is no different. The policies next year. n explosion of short-term rentals in the city has raised concerns about

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Besh Announcement Signals Bigger Problem In the wake of sexual harassment allegations against John Besh and BRG, the restaurant industry, and companies of all sizes, take stock in their policies.

By Kim Roberts

With a l l the a c c o l a d es a n d

accomplishments under the chef hat of John Besh — arguably one of the most widely recognized New Orleans chefs of the past 20 years and someone who frequently focused on his love of family — it came as quite a bombshell when an exposé by Times-Picayune restaurant critic and features writer, Brett Anderson, published Oct. 21, revealed that his company, Besh Restaurant Group (BRG) had been the subject of an eight-month-long investigation that revealed a BRG culture in which sexual harassment flourished. In all, 25 women, nine of whom spoke on the record, contributed to the report, with

some of the allegations specifically involving Besh.

The story was published on a Saturday; by Monday Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, home to the second-oldest Besh restaurant, Besh Steak, announced it was terminating its relationship with BRG. On Monday, WYES announced it would no longer air his cooking shows. Besh officially stepped down from BRG later the same day.

One week later, Harrah’s announced the renaming of Besh Steak to BH Steak, a nod to the casino’s founder, William “Bill” Harrah. On Nov. 7, Besh resigned from the advisory board of the Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame.

BRG includes 12 restaurants, a bar and an event space. The company operates three businesses outside New Orleans, with another restaurant under construction in Houston. Although BRG employed approximately 1,200 people, the company hired its first HR director on Oct. 11.

The Besh revelation has since resulted in a renewed focus on the importance of both HR departments and established sexual harassment training programs and disciplinary procedures across all industries.

It also threw a spotlight on the prevalence of the problem specifically within the restaurant industry.

A 2015 study by the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC) reported that 46 percent of male and 60 percent of female and transgender restaurant workers view harassment as “an uncomfortable aspect of work life.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the amount of restaurant jobs created in the U.S. since January of this year eclipses health care, construction, manufacturing and government. More than a third of the new jobs in New Orleans since 2010 have been in restaurants. n

10 New Leadership at the Port and WTC

Brandy Christian and Caitlin Cain both assumed their positions in January.

By Ashley McLellan

In

J a n u a ry,

two

top

f em a l e

businesswomen took over the reins of two bastions of trade in New Orleans.

Brandy Christian, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, and Caitlin Cain, CEO of the World Trade Center, are about to complete one year on the job, with each receiving accolades for their leadership.

Christian took over the Port of New Orleans as one of only 11 female port directors in the U.S., and the first female director in the port’s 120-year history. At the Port of New Orleans, Christian oversees a public agency that employees nearly 300 with more than $60 million in revenue.

In September, the port also acquired the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad.

With her close ties to the cruise ship community, Christian also has eyes on growing the port’s cruise profile. In October, Norwegian Cruise Lines announced it will bring

the largest cruise ship of its kind to New Orleans, the Norwegian Breakaway. Additionally, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines will dock its 2,435-passenger Vision of the Seas starting next December. Last year, the port welcomed more than 1 million passengers, and is on track to match or surpass that number this year.

Caitlin Cain took over as CEO of the World Trade Center with an eye toward embracing and expanding international trade with New Orleans as the hub for a variety of exports.

Cain’s more than 15 years of experience includes serving as regional advocate for the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy covering a five-state territory, and director of economic development for the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission. Her expertise in economic development, working with nonprofits and public-private partnerships will amplify the voice of over 1,000 corporate and individual members of the World Trade Center of New Orleans.

Her goal is to combine global policy issues with small business entrepreneurship by guiding the WTC to act as an advocate for local endeavors on an international level. Cain implemented Louisiana International Trade Week in November, which celebrated New Orleans trade culture and recognized leadership at a black-tie award ceremony, and is working to boost involvement with the Louisiana Consular Corps, the Small Business Association, Idea Village and various chamber associations across the area. n

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2017 Edition

Every December, Biz New Orleans closes out the year with a look at top local businesses in a wide variety of industries. In the following pages, we invite you to learn more about the past, present and future of these industry standouts as each continues to make their mark in the Greater New Orleans marketplace

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Addiction Treatment Longbranch Healthcare

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In response to the unprecedented national addiction crisis, Chris McMahon and Dan Forman are opening two addiction treatment facilities in Louisiana this month as part of the growing Longbranch Healthcare project. Longbranch Recovery Center is a $10 million, newly-constructed residential treatment facility in Abita Springs. Longbranch Wellness is a 10,000-square-foot luxury outpatient treatment center in Old Metairie. This project represents the largest investment in addiction treatment in Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina.

McMahon, CEO of Longbranch Healthcare, is a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of the nationally recognized Passages Hospice. For nearly a decade, McMahon battled an opioid addiction that nearly

ended his life. Since getting sober in 2000, he has made it his life’s mission to build healthcare facilities that serve the community and fill market voids.

“Longbranch Healthcare was inspired by the fact that Louisianans had to leave the state for quality addiction treatment. Finally, Louisiana has the addiction treatment network it deserves,” says McMahon.

Forman, Chief Marketing Officer of Longbranch Healthcare, is a known innovator in behavioral healthcare marketing and has worked with some of the largest private addiction treatment providers in the U.S. He believes marketing is a tool which helps patients overcome self-imposed barriers to getting help. Forman’s goal is to “raise the bottom” for patients so that they don’t have to lose everything before getting help.

Together, McMahon and Forman seek to revolutionize the addiction treatment industry and have assembled a team of some of the most respected, highly qualified addiction treatment professionals to lead Longbranch Healthcare. McMahon and Forman say they are planning for future growth both inside and outside of Louisiana.

Dan Forman, Chief Marketing Officer Chris McMahon, Chief Executive Officer Recovery Center • 21516 Hwy. 36, Abita Springs Wellness Center • 701 Metairie Road, Suite 2A-301, Metairie 504-635-3535 • longbranchhealthcare.com

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aging services

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Since opening in 1998, Lambeth House has thrived as a single-site Life Plan Community, growing to offer exemplary aging services that garner national attention. With roughly 230 employees and 250 residents, Lambeth House offers independent living apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care, in addition to an award-winning Wellness Center housing a state-of-the-art fitness center, group fitness classes, a competition-length saltwater pool, contemporary café, meditation room and garden, art studio, full-service salon and chapel.

At Lambeth House, Life Plan residents move into an independent living apartment while productive, active and in control of every aspect of life. If and when assistance is needed, they can seamlessly access assisted living or skilled nursing accommodations onsite. Unique to Lambeth House, membership to the Wellness Center is open to non-residents, aged 55+, offering an opportunity for local adults to enjoy active aging with access to the Center’s exceptional amenities.

Senior leadership at Lambeth House has over 70 years of combined experience in aging services, a testament to their dedication to the aging community. This year, LeadingAge, a national association for aging services with over 8,000 members, held its conference in New Orleans, where Lambeth House hosted a structured presentation and tour of its award-winning design and comprehensive, top-quality services. Lambeth’s marketing team, led by Jeré Hales, COO, presented at the conference on successful marketing strategies for single-site Life Plan Communities.

This year, Lambeth House joined NOVARE, an organization focused on maintaining the relevancy and strengthening the leadership of single-site communities.

Lambeth House’s focus in 2018 will be on employee development and on recruiting and retaining the best and brightest as the employer of choice in aging services.

Jeré Hales, Vice President and COO, Scott Crabtree, President and CEO and Lynn Swetland, Secretary, Treasurer and CFO 150 Broadway Street • New Orleans 504-865-1960 • lambethhouse.com

Lambeth House

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AIRLINES Condor Airlines

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Since 1956, Condor Airlines has been flying its guests to the most beautiful destinations in the world.

On an annual basis, more than seven million passengers fly with Condor to about 80 destinations in Europe, America, Africa and Asia. Condor Airlines is excited to announce its 2018 flight schedule with twice-weekly flights operating on Thursdays and Sundays from May 17, 2018, through September 30, 2018, from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA).

“I’m thrilled that Condor Airlines will resume its transatlantic, non-stop flights in May 2018,” says Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “These non-stop flights to Frankfurt will continue to open gateways to new international markets and create jobs and new opportunities.”

Condor provides a superior passenger experience onboard its 259-seat Boeing 767-300ER. Service is offered in three classes: business, premium and economy.

In each of its classes of service, Condor provides complimentary checked baggage, beverages, meals, and in-flight entertainment. Business Class passengers have access to priority check-in and business class lounges at most airports, as well as reclining seats and a fivecourse meal onboard the flight. Premium Class features added legroom, leg rests, and adjustable headrests plus premium meals and more onboard the flight.

“Our Condor flights still are the only nonstop service from New Orleans to Germany and the bookings so far clearly showed that New Orleanians love our service,” says Jens Boyd, Director of Long Haul & Revenue

F Management at Condor. “With our partner carriers we provide seamless connections to cities like Prague, Venice, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Barcelona and, in total, more than one hundred destinations in Europe.” Condor operates from a total of 16 gateways in North America.

Jens Boyd, Director of Long Haul and Revenue Management; Theresa Crosby from the Deutsches Haus; Kristian Sonnier, Vice President Communications & Public Relations at the New Orleans Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Condor Airlines 100 Illinois St., Suite 200 • St. Charles, Ill. 60174 condor.com

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Banking

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Fidelity Bank, a full-service community bank serving Southeast Louisiana with 18 offices, has furthered its commitment to business banking this year with the launch of POWER (Potential of Women Entrepreneurs Realized). Fidelity’s POWER program introduces educational resources, networking opportunities and facilitated connections combined with a wide array of financial products exclusively for entrepreneurial women.

“Women business owners are starting companies at a faster rate than ever and changing the landscape of our community. We want to support them in reaching their potential,” says Katie Crosby, Chairman of the Fidelity Board. “POWER gives women-owned businesses the tools needed to succeed, flourish and spur revenue growth.”

Women business owners are one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy. From 2007-2016, the number of women-owned firms increased by 45%, according to the 2016 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report

by American Express OPEN. “Our mission at Fidelity Bank is to be ‘here for good.’

Providing opportunities for like-minded women to connect, learn, and grow is just one more way we live our mission,” says Liz Broekman, Marketing Specialist for POWER at Fidelity Bank.

Membership in POWER is offered to all women business owners who bank with Fidelity Bank. There is no cost to be a part of the new program. Fidelity Bank will host POWER networking events throughout the year and POWER clients may also take advantage of the bank’s custom website, FidelityBankPower.com.

The site serves as a community resource, listing events featuring women business owners, articles and other information relating to women business owners. To learn more about POWER, contact Liz Broekman at lizbroekman@bankwithfidelity.com or visit the site above.

(standing, left to right) Penny Hamilton, Latoya Ratcliff, Liz Broekman, Cathy Cerise (seated, left to right) Michelle Thompson-Stephens, Katie Crosby, Lori Pausina Greater New Orleans Area Northshore • Baton Rouge 1-800-220-2497 • bankwithfidelity.com/power

Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R.

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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Aimee Freeman Consulting

Where others see a roadblock, Aimee Adatto Freeman sees opportunity.

A business consultant who creates growth for her clients, Freeman specializes in opening new pathways to success for businesses of all sizes. Her secret?

She listens.

“My strategic planning process begins with listening to the good, the bad and – yes – sometimes the ugly,” says Freeman. The listening happens in confidential conversations with key employees. Taking the time to interview and engage with a variety of individuals allows Freeman to collect data and provide honest insights.

But listening is just the first step in a process Freeman calls “Pause and Prosper.”

“Most business leaders know they need to step back and evaluate every few years,” says Freeman. “Without exception, the owners and key staffers are too busy with daily operations to pause and do this on their own.” The result is that strategic planning and course corrections don’t happen. “It’s not just damaging, but deadly to the growth of their businesses.”

After conducting confidential interviews with employees and C-level executives, Freeman distills and analyzes what she has learned.

The result? A customized path to business success based on real data and a shared vision.

Freeman’s diverse clients include Curry Caviness & Webb, PLC, Point 8 Power, Receivable Recovery Services and Trapolin-Peer Architects. She has worked with early-stage startups like Louisiana Veterans Research and Education Corporation, and international financial institutions like HSBC. In addition to Strategic Planning, Freeman offers two-hour strategy meetings, one-day leadership workshops, mission statement workshops and off-site work retreats.

An active civic leader, Freeman currently serves on the Executive Committee for the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation.

Aimee Freeman and her officemate, Red Hot Cayenne Pepper, or “Pepper” 504-957-4146 aimeefreemanconsulting.com

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commercial contractors

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Strategic growth comes with the realignment of key focus areas and leadership for The Lemoine Company. Known for quality construction management and general contracting, Lemoine has put its stamp on South Louisiana through everything from interior renovations to complex commercial, education, healthcare, multi-family and industrial landmarks.

Celebrating its 42nd year in business, Lemoine has shifted its focus to prioritizing geographic expansion and new market penetration, while strengthening customer relationships.

By splitting the region within and around Louisiana into two markets, West and East, Lemoine has enhanced its ability to better serve its customers and industry partners. The West, led by Vice President Mike Rice, will focus on Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and growth into Texas. The East market, led by Vice President William Lemoine, will focus on Greater New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and healthcare in all markets throughout the Gulf Central Region.

William Lemoine and his family relocated last summer to lead Lemoine’s New Orleans office, located in the Warehouse District. Originally from Bunkie, Louisiana, William graduated from LSU in Construction Management and spent five years working in New Orleans before moving his family to Lafayette, where he worked his way from Project Manager to Vice President. He and his family are thrilled to be back in New Orleans having replanted their roots in the Crescent City.

Lemoine is grateful for the project success and relationships it has gained in New Orleans thus far and looks forward to advancing its value-driven partnering approach within the New Orleans market and beyond.

(left) Robert “Mike” Rice, (right) William Lemoine 300 Lafayette Street, Suite 100 • New Orleans 504-309-2424 • lemoinecompany.com

The Lemoine Company

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Education

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Metairie Park Country Day

Since 1929, Metairie Park Country Day School has enriched the lives of talented young people in a dynamic learning environment, building strength of intellect and strength of character within a community that is simultaneously challenging and supportive. This year, the Pre-K through 12th grade school and its beautiful 15-acre campus welcomed new, transformative learning spaces that will benefit students for years to come.

According to Head of School, Matt Neely, at the center of the school’s momentous energy is the opening of three new campus buildings. Fundraising and construction have manifested in the faculty-designed, state-of-the-art Science and Engineering Building, Art and Lower School Science Building and in the renovated and expanded Coleman Family Dining Room. These buildings support the remarkable teaching already in place, provide a physical framework for future growth and exploration, and, at the core, reinforce Country Day’s strong sense of community.

The Science and Engineering Building contributes 10,000 extra square feet of learning space to the campus and an additional 4,000 square feet of dining space accompanies the Coleman Family Dining Room. In the science buildings, installations include advanced equipment for fabrication, printing, engineering, robotics, math-modeling, visual art and more. The Coleman Family Dining Room furthers the Country Day tradition of family dining where students of varying grades dine together at tables, discuss their day, get to know each other and enjoy a healthy, chef-prepared meal.

The school’s other exciting change of 2017 was the arrival of Matt Neely as Head of School. Neely’s vast experience and “open arms, open door” approach to education and administration complements Country Day’s already welcoming community and brings a fresh enthusiasm for furthering the school’s mission.

Matt Neely, Head of School 300 Park Road • Metairie 504-837-5204 • mpcds.com

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ENGINEERING Carubba Engineering

W With a quarter-century of experience in civil, structural, and marine engineering, Roy Carubba, along with his team at Carubba Engineering, has completed thousands of projects, ranging from small residential additions to complex high-rise towers. Part of the firm’s success is owed to Roy’s view of Carubba Engineering as family and a belief that establishing and maintaining strong work relationships is paramount to success. Additionally, Roy’s business philosophy is also tried and true.

“Say what you are going to do, and do what you say you will. First and foremost, tell the truth; then work tirelessly to do the right thing by one’s clients, just as one would for their family,” he says.

A full-service civil, structural, and marine engineering firm, Carubba Engineering is proficient in site

development and master planning, comprehensive drainage studies and hydrologic analysis, infrastructure (water, sewer, roadways, drainage and storm water management), deep foundation design, structural steel and concrete design and special metals. The firm is also capable of providing crucial construction-related services integral to bringing large, industrial projects to successful completion such as preliminary construction budgeting, permitting at the federal, state and local levels, and construction management.

Roy believes in establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with clients through honesty, competence, diligence and attention to budget and schedule. This year, Carubba Engineering completed the design of a $600M industrial project slated for construction in 2018. Additionally, the firm is doing disaster relief

consulting in Texas and Florida with recovery work planned in those states and Puerto Rico. The Carubba team also looks forward to construction in 2018 of a new fitness center at the University of New Orleans, Roy’s alma mater.

(seated) Stacie Carubba, Roy Carubba, Robert Alan Harris (standing) John Lambertson, Matthew Dauphin, Emma Hensley, Remy Rehage, Patrick Ruiz, Kristin Donmyer 3400 Hessmer Avenue • Metairie 504-888-1490 • carubbaengineering.com

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Foundation What You Give Will Grow

W While you probably know Saints Super Fan “Little JJ” Robertson, you may not be aware of the organization that helped him go viral. As part of What You Give Will Grow’s Holiday Giveaway, the entire Saints team visited Ochsner Hospital and first met JJ, which led to the heartwarming team “signing.”

Founded with a mission to help children with cancer and other health issues, What You Give Will Grow is a multi-faceted organization with community programs including the Holiday Giveaway, Prom of Champions, Team Comeback Kids, Game Day Heroes, Gleason Gras and the Louisiana Child Life Council, among others. These programs are presented at an extraordinary “100% in, 100% out” of fundraising, with foundation President and Saints punter Thomas Morstead generously donating administrative costs.

Whether organizing a massive prom for kids with cancer and blood disorders or bringing together families facing the same illness for fellowship and fun, Morstead and Executive Director Dennis Lomonaco are consistently finding ways to help those who deserve a break from hospitals and hardships. One way the organization is bettering the hospital experience is by advocating and fundraising for Child Life services, a little-known and often underfunded hospital department for hospitalized children and their families.

This year, the organization produced a minidocumentary, This is Child Life, which raises awareness of this impactful hospital program. From explaining to a child his terminal diagnosis or a complex procedure, or educating a child’s classmates on her illness, to providing patients with entertainment, Child Life programs are invaluable to the families they serve. With the Louisiana Child Life Council, What You Give Will Grow is building awareness, funds and collaborative opportunities for statewide programs.

Thomas Morstead, Founder 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 1720 • New Orleans wygwg.org

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Funeral Home

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Greenwood Funeral Home

Established in 1994, Greenwood Funeral Home was built on the site of a longtime New Orleans gathering place, Lenfant’s. Today, it continues to serve the community as a gathering place for families and friends to honor and celebrate loved ones. Providing funerals, cremation arrangements, catered receptions, celebration of life services and pre-arrangements, Greenwood Funeral Home serves all cemeteries and accepts all pre-arrangements.

The main reason New Orleans families choose Greenwood is because of its Funeral Directors. With years of experience in the community, this exceptional group of professionals brings both the passion and compassion to funeral services that seem to be waning in today’s industry. Directors Jim Lohan, Charlie Eagan, Jeanne St. Upery, Floyd Herty and Bob Gentry are bringing back to New Orleans and surrounding areas the true meaning of family service in a funeral plan.

With experience and community awareness, they prioritize meeting the needs of families over all else, resulting in a successful business model that has seen its volume up considerably in 2016 with the trend continuing in 2017.

“We don’t have annoying sales people pushing upon you expensive packages. You’ll meet with me or one member from my team and we’ll arrange the funeral service you desire, within your budget,” says Charlie Eagan, Managing Partner. “Whether it’s a traditional funeral, jazz funeral, or a creative celebration of life, we can arrange that service.”

Individuals are invited to stop by and see the many amenities, including the large Boulevard Room, and speak with a director about service possibilities. For additional information or to tour the home online, visit greenwoodfh.com.

(left to right) Bob Gentry, Jeanne St. Upery Charlie Eagan, Jim Lohan 5200 Canal Boulevard • New Orleans 504-486-0880 • greenwoodfh.com

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HOME Automation

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Here in the “Silicon Swamp,” some of the brightest minds in technology, engineering, app development and coding are improving lives across the world. As a 111-year innovator and global manufacturer, Leviton has made New Orleans the epicenter of connectivity through the local creation of apps, clouds, embedded firmware and hardware that turn homes and businesses into “smart” and safe places to live and work.

This year, Leviton announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Innovation Center in the Warehouse District to enable and inspire advanced engineering. The Innovation Center joins the previously opened LIVE Experience Center in furthering Leviton’s technology development in New Orleans and elevating the global home and business automation industry.

Leviton is in the majority of North American homes, most commonly installed as a light switch or protective electrical receptacle. Now, the company is proud to become a household name in automation with more than 125 recognitions and awards—10 this year—for their innovative technologies such as the Decora Smart™ advanced wireless lighting system, which provides elegance, security and energy savings with the convenience of app- and voice-based control.

“Within the past two years, we’ve launched smart solutions with Apple, Samsung, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, JBL and many others on the horizon,” says Greg Rhoades, Director of Marketing. “It’s great being a nimble team that can quickly enact change and bring huge benefits to the end-user.”

Leviton made the move to New Orleans in 2012 with the acquisition of local company Home Automation, Incorporated, founded by Jay McLellan. Known as a “father of home automation” by the consumer electronics industry, McLellan is now the Vice President of Leviton New Orleans.

(left to right) Ron Gumina, Greg Rhoades, Jay McLellan, Tom Morgan, Scott Dudoussat, Aaron Ard (not pictured) Innovation Center • 865 Fulton Street, Suite 500 Experience Center • 334 Carondelet Street 504-608-9001 • emcamarketing@leviton.com • leviton.com

Leviton Manufacturing

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IT/Security

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Helmed by an inquisitive, driven and positive leader, Universal Data, Inc. (UDI) has found continued stability and success through the Core Values and philosophy of James M. Perrier, Founder and CEO. Since its founding in 1982, UDI has been a steadfast, solution-focused company in an industry that is rapidly evolving. A leading provider of IT consulting services and solutions, UDI features a team of highly trained and motivated individuals with a passion for growth, knowledge and customer service.

At UDI, Perrier orchestrated a unique company culture based on advanced studies and customer service, resulting in a goal-oriented team that shares the same vision and approach in assisting clients to meet their goals. These Core Values include exhibiting perseverance, understanding customer needs, challenging the status quo, working with a sense of urgency, prioritizing teamwork and acting with integrity and excellence.

In 2017, UDI accomplishments include being named to CityBusiness’s Best Places to Work and to CRN’s Fast Growth 150 Lists and Solution Provider 500 List. UDI also received the CRN Tech Elite 250 Award and the CRN Triple Crown Award. The company’s accomplishments this year include completing the Jefferson Parish Public School System’s wireless implementation both early and under budget. Additionally, UDI invested in a new Solutions Center, where its team designs and tests systems and solutions to support a wide range of customers’ operating environments.

UDI continues to aggressively grow its footprint by focusing on its core business: IT security, network management, data center, cloud, disaster recovery and managed services. In the new year, UDI will continue to search for the best and the brightest to join their team and aid in its growth.

(standing) Chad Perrier and Alex Battard (seated) Jim Perrier and Stephanie Kavanaugh 1400 Distributors Row • New Orleans 504-934-7111 • udi.com

Universal Data, Inc.

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industrial maintenance Greenup Industries

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For Greenup Industries, 2017 was a busy year. With six divisions and offices in three states, the industrial maintenance company won a number of contracts and awards that will lead to continued expansion over the next year.

Greenup Industries was recognized by Inc. Magazine as the 208th fastest growing privately held business in the country and 3rd in Louisiana, an enormous honor for the five-year-old company. Also in 2017, Greenup received several safety awards from the Gulf Coast Safety Council with new nominations in another two categories.

Services of Greenup Industries include electrical and instrumentation control systems, corrosion services, geotechnical engineering, and both land-based and

hydro surveying. The company was incorporated in 2012 to become an industrial general contractor, and a multi-year contract for a major petrochemical provider allowed the company to transition from simply managing vendors to also performing skilled and unskilled services.

The company acquired new contracts in the utilities/ power sector this year and plans to hire several dozen skilled craftsmen in 2018, which will expand its base.

It is also expanding an apprenticeship program that began this year in partnership with a client and local community college. In response to the need for local workers, the apprenticeship program seeks to improve the talent pool in the River Parishes and south Louisiana.

While Hurricane Harvey put on hold Greenup Industries’

plans to open an office in south Texas, that expansion will be revisited next year.

In the community, Greenup Industries is an annual partner and contributor to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Walk.

“It’s truly a company event with a lot of participation from our employees,” says Rodney Greenup, Jr., President.

Rodney Greenup, President of Greenup Industries, along with staff

4224 Florida Avenue • Kenner 225-283-4843 • greenupind.com

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Meal prep/weight loss

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Just three years ago, local entrepreneur Ingrid Rinck launched a healthy meal service called Sensible Meals from her hometown on the Northshore.

Within two years, she would find herself leading the fastest-growing and largest meal prep business in the United States. Based locally, Sensible Meals is proud to be shipping to clients nationwide. They offer the lowest meal prep prices and shipping rates in the entire U.S. allowing more people to experience the benefits of having their food prepared and portioned for them by professionals.

“Our growth has been so successful that we’ve expanded our kitchen space and staffing this year to keep up with demand,” says Rinck.

Sensible Meals’ key to client success is its balanced mix of clean, “diet” foods with comfort, “fun” foods at affordable prices. New Orleans red beans and rice is a staple and favorite item on their menu. The simple portion-controlled meals are made with fresh ingredients and are ideal for people with little time for meal planning and without the funds to hire a private chef.

The program provides a lifestyle that’s both healthy and remarkably easy to maintain. With four different meal programs to choose from, clients can focus on what’s best for their weight and health goals. Take one look at the company’s social media pages and you can feel the excitement around this brand that is changing lives.

Sensible Meals is proud of its status as a majority female-run company, with women serving in the positions of CEO, head chef, and as 95% of its workforce. In 2018, the company looks forward to continued growth as it helps clients reach and maintain their goals.

Ingrid Rinck, Owner & CEO 11 local pickup locations • affordable nationwide shipping eatsensiblemeals.com

Sensible Meals

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psychiatric services

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River Oaks Hospital is excited to welcome Deagan Watson to New Orleans as its new CEO, who looks forward to continuing the psychiatric hospital’s 40-year tradition of excellence on the New Orleans Southshore. Watson moved to New Orleans with his wife and two children from Gainesville, Florida, where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at The Vines Hospital in Ocala, Florida, after serving as the Program Director at North Florida Regional Medical Center.

Since 1970, River Oaks Hospital has provided quality treatment to adolescents and adults suffering from psychiatric illness, alcohol and drug addiction, trauma-based disorders, compulsive behaviors and eating disorders from its 14-acre campus. River Oaks has been the community leader for inpatient substance abuse treatment and is proud to be a resource for the Southeast as one of the few hospitals offering an inpatient program specifically for treating trauma-based disorders and eating disorders.

“I am proud to have chosen to work at a hospital with such an amazing team. The employees at River Oaks are selfless, dedicated and true patient advocates,” says Watson. As the new CEO, Watson is excited about guiding River Oaks Hospital as it adapts to today’s behavioral health needs.

“The needs of the community have changed over the last 40 years and we are working on a plan to be the best resource we can be,” he says.

To that end, Watson is meeting with community leaders such as parish presidents, judges and healthcare providers. The hospital is proud to join the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Metairie as it extends its community outreach and involvement.

Deagan Watson 1525 River Oaks Road West • New Orleans 504-734-1740 • riveroakshospital.com

River Oaks Hospital

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Nonprofit

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St. Michael Special School

St. Michael Special School was established in 1965 by Sr. Lillian McCormack of the School Sisters of Notre Dame with support from the Archdiocese of New Orleans to serve children and young adults with special educational needs. The school has served over 6,000 students in more than 50 years as a prized New Orleans institution. Under the leadership of President and Principal Tish Sauerhoff and with the support of the local community, the school currently enrolls over 200 students, ages six through adult, from 37 regional zip codes.

“It’s about possibilities, not limits,” says Sauerhoff.

“Our goal is for students to succeed well beyond the St. Michael campus.”

With three programs — a K-12 and two adult programs—the school provides for the development of the whole child—academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually—regardless of their disability or health impairment. The curriculum includes subjects from religion, math, science, and reading to creative arts, culinary science, vocational training, community integration, industrial arts and more.

Accredited by the Louisiana Department of Education and by AvancEd, the school partners with 21 area schools to provide inclusive activities for students. This year, the school was recognized as a National Association of Special Education Teachers School of Excellence. St. Michael launched its Exploration Academy, a transition program that increases positive post-school outcomes for young adults with special educational needs.

“Sr. Lillian’s commitment to serving all children through innovative programs continues to guide our vision today,” says Sauerhoff. “This is an exciting time of forward momentum as we build upon our foundation and enable students to reach their full potential through educational practices and technologies that facilitate students’ self-determination and independence.”

Students of St. Michael Special School with Tish Sauerhoff, President/Principal 1522 Chippewa Street • New Orleans 504-524-7285 • stmichaelspecialschool.com

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pain management

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Pain Intervention Center

Interventional Pain Medicine is the practice of medicine dedicated to relieving patients’ spine pain (e.g. whiplash, back pain, and sciatica) using minimally invasive techniques under fluoroscopic guidance and often avoiding narcotics and surgery.

Patrick H. Waring, MD, is a New Orleans native who graduated with highest honors from Jesuit High School, the University of Notre Dame and Tulane Medical School. Board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain medicine, he is currently a Master Instructor for the Spine Intervention Society, which provides international interventional pain physician education.

After completing his residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Dr. Waring practiced in a hospital environment for over 10 years. He realized that patients often found hospitals expensive, coldly clinical and intimidating. Believing instead that a low-key yet high-tech and comfortable environment would better benefit patients suffering from debilitating pain, he founded the Pain Intervention Center in 2003. Conveniently located in Old Metairie Village, the Center offers a patient-centered setting with the latest interventional pain techniques for those seeking a non-narcotic, non-surgical option. For years, Dr. Waring has advocated for interventional pain therapies to help patients avoid the use of opioids and other habit-forming pharmaceutical agents. His October 2017 guest editorial in Biz New Orleans highlights the relationship between opioid pain treatment and the current opioid crisis.

Most patients can see Dr. Waring at the Pain Intervention Center for both evaluation and treatment, often same-day, with or without another physician’s referral. The practice accepts most insurances. Despite healthcare consolidation trends that threaten small physician practices, the Pain Intervention Center continues to emphasize individual patient care and remains a top patient choice for interventional spine pain management.

Dr. Patrick H. Waring 701 Metairie Road • Metairie 504-455-2225 • paininterventioncenter.com

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Personal Lines Insurance

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Ross & Yerger was founded in the 1800s when two makers of ceramic dinnerware lost their business to a fire. The two were so impressed with their insurance policy and its immediate coverage of their losses that they purchased the agency that helped them. Today, the company has grown to employ 116 dedicated professionals in Jackson, Tupelo, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. As the oldest independent insurance agency in Mississippi, their business acumen is unrivaled with expertise in almost every industry.

Producer Gates Skene joined the agency in 2016 and specializes in Personal Lines, including comprehensive portfolio reviews, property/casualty and life/health for high net worth, emerging wealth/young professionals, family offices, and large families.

“As soon as I started my career, I knew I had found an industry that suited me well. I never anticipated being interested in insurance; however, I quickly discovered that serving as a risk advisor was appealing because it allowed me to help individuals and families protect themselves in a very tangible way,” says Skene.

As a 100% employee-owned agency, Ross & Yerger offers a Future Partner Group Program, allowing Skene the opportunity to become a shareholder at the conclusion of a four-year validation period.

“Coming to work as business owners affects our company’s leadership and culture in a really positive way. It creates a team attitude that trickles down into every facet of our business,” she says. This year, at least five Producers graduated from the program with three becoming shareholders.

Ross & Yerger’s 2018 focus will be on expanding its presence in Louisiana and finding Producers who want an opportunity to become shareholders and leaders for future growth.

Gates W. Skene, Personal Risk Advisor Offices in Jackson, Tupelo, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans 504-613-8521 • rossandyerger.com • gskene@rossandyerger.com

Ross & Yerger

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maritime

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Located within a 54-mile stretch of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the Port of South Louisiana offers shippers a strategic location at the intersection of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico and an intermodal transportation network of waterways, roadways, rail, and air. With over 56M short tons of crude oil imports per year, four major oil refineries, and 11 petrochemical manufacturing facilities, the Port of South Louisiana has been ranked as one of the top energy transfer ports in the nation. The Port also operates one of the most active Foreign Trade Zones in the country— as the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere, the Port of South Louisiana is not only the highest grain exporter in the United States, it is also the highest ranked exporter in North America.

The Port continued to grow exponentially in 2017 with the purchase of a 1,680-acre site in St. James Parish, the ribbon-cutting of the $600M Pin Oak Terminals, the $9.6M expansion of Globalplex’s Building 19, and new construction of a 6,300-squarefoot hangar at the Port’s Executive Regional Airport. The Port won the AAPA 2017 Communications Award of Distinction for its exceptional PortLog journal, and Executive Director Paul Aucoin received the World Trade Center of New Orleans’ Eugene Schreiber Award. Meanwhile, the Port was also active within the community, hosting a variety of events for area causes.

Next year, the Port welcomes a $10B potential foreign direct investment within its jurisdiction and will continue the expansion and improvements of its infrastructure ($42.5M).

(left to right) Patrick Sellars, Judy Songy, Robert “Poncho” Roussel, D. Paul Robichaux, Whitney Hickerson, Paul Aucoin, and P. Joey Murray, III (not pictured) Joseph Scontrino, Stanley Bazile, and Kelly Buckwalter 171 Belle Terre Boulevard • La Place 985-652-9278 • portsl.com

Port of South Louisiana

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Real Estate

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As partners in Century 21 SELA, Tammy Randles and Vance Ott are excited about their recent collaboration with Century 21 that further extends their real estate reach, training opportunities for agents, and offerings for clients across Southeast Louisiana.

Randles and Ott have taken their expertise as local and regional leaders and bolstered it with an exceptional global network and the support of the most recognized consumer brand, which ranked highest among national real estate companies across all four customer satisfaction segments in the J.D. Power 2016 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study.

Vance Ott, Vice President and Chief Operating & Legal Officer, initially worked as a real estate title and closing attorney for 17 years before joining forces with Tammy Randles, President and Broker, to create Century 21 SELA. Together, the two have developed a strategic, hands-on approach to business and leadership that has proven to be a recipe for success. With four full-time employees and 57 agents, Century 21 SELA benefits from the agent-centric vision of Randles, a licensed realtor and broker for over 13 years, and Ott, with his wealth of title and real estate law experience.

Century 21 SELA consistently sees increased year over year production from its agents. Randles and Ott work alongside agents and pride themselves on their accessibility. This enables the agents to communicate effectively with clients and market properties thoroughly and quickly.

“If we provide the best tools to our agents, we will get the best results for our clients,” says Ott. “We see production increase because we have satisfied and happy clients who return to us and refer to us. We take pride in ‘sold.’”

Vance W. Ott and Tammy N. Randles Metairie • Mid-City • Mandeville • Marrero 504-883-5252 vanceott@c21sela.com • tammyrandles@c21sela.com

Century 21 SELA

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RESTORATION

W When Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, it changed the course of thousands, perhaps millions, of lives. Simone Bruni’s career in event planning washed away with the storm, and the self-starter found demolition in its wake. Since founding Demo Diva eleven years ago, Bruni has overseen the demolition company’s rapid growth in Greater New Orleans and the surrounding region. While growing in size, the company has also expanded its scope beyond demolition and into salvage, dismantling, and distribution of antique pine flooring.

After years of selling salvaged wood floors, beams, and floor joists to buyers who could then manufacture reclaimed pine flooring, Bruni was presented with an opportunity to purchase a local manufacturer’s wood mill. Shortly thereafter, Demo Diva won the contract to demolish the abandoned Lakeview School on Milne Boulevard, a century-old, craftsman-style building that yielded over 200,000 board feet of antique pine.

“It was a learning curve at first, but it’s now something that I’m incredibly passionate about,” says Bruni. “We were always salvaging architectural elements, but we weren’t prepared to be dismantlers or incentivized to do so. Now, however, we’re truly a part of preserving New Orleans history and putting that history back under our feet,” she says.

With the ability to create and restore antique pine, Demo Diva is working on demolition projects across the country to salvage the centuries-old wooden floors and beams from former plants, mills, schools, and other buildings.

“I love this new aspect of demolition. When I walk into the wood mill and smell the scent of a 300-year-old tree, it’s poetic. Just beautiful,” says Bruni.

In addition to expanding its services, Demo Diva is currently strategizing plans to expand its brand outside of New Orleans.

Simone Bruni, Reclaimed Diva 260 St. George Avenue • Jefferson 504-486-4121 • reclaimeddiva.com

Reclaimed Diva

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Telecommunications

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Cox Communications, Southeast

Cox Communications is well-known across New Orleans as a long-time community partner and broadband communications and entertainment provider offering advanced digital video, internet, telephone, and home security and automation services. But many people don’t realize Cox is a family-owned business dating back to 1898, when the company’s founder, James M. Cox, paid $26,000 for the Dayton Evening News. What started as a newspaper business has grown to employ approximately 55,000 people across 300 businesses in the United States.

“As a 120-year-old, privately-held company, Cox answers to our customers, not shareholders,” says Anthony Pope, Senior VP and Region Manager of Cox Communications, Southeast. “Our company was founded on principles of honesty, respect, and the necessity of going above and beyond for our employees, customers, and communities we serve.”

As part of a $10 billion investment in its network to deliver industry-leading telecommunications services and customer experiences, Cox launched Panoramic WiFi in 2017. The service offers wall-to-wall, fast internet in every part of customers’ homes. Meanwhile, the company continues to delight with Contour, its highly personalized video experience featuring smart technology, including a voice-controlled remote.

In 2018, Cox plans to continue to deliver on its promise of keeping area residents and businesses connected. Next year will be full steam ahead for G1GABLAST, Cox’s 1-gig residential service. By the end of 2018, Cox expects G1GABLAST will be available to roughly 80 percent of the households it passes in Louisiana. Cox will continue to offer a variety of internet options and provide customers with the speeds they need. Cox Business will maintain its local presence to provide customizable telecommunications solutions for area businesses.

(left to right) Munzer Qaddourah, Vice President Cox Media; Colleen Levy, Vice President of Marketing; Anthony Pope, Senior Vice President & Region Manager.

Acadiana • Baton Rouge • New Orleans • Florida’s Gulf Coast Central Florida • Middle Georgia 504-304-8444 • cox.com

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Wellness and skincare

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Egan Wellness & Skincare

Dr. Pamela Egan and Licensed Aesthetician Jessica Klein proudly offer a top-rated wellness clinic and medical spa on the Northshore, where Dr. Egan has been voted best Nurse Practitioner four years in a row by Northshore residents. After founding Egan Healthcare Services with her husband in 1988, Dr. Egan created Egan Wellness & Med Spa in 2009, a practice dedicated to helping men, women, and children become nutritionally and hormonally sound while achieving optimum health.

Klein, a 20-year licensed aesthetician, joined Egan Med Spa after serving as Director of Aesthetics at a premier Southshore salon. She takes pride in helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy skin. Med Spa services include Botox, fillers, chemical peels, radiofrequency, collagen PIN microneedling and Hydrafacial MD, an Anti-Aging treatment and non-pharmaceutical alternative for teen acne. The clinic offers preventative medicine with a motto of “Look Good & Feel Good!”

Dr. Egan has long been passionate about health and wellness and has the resume to prove it—after receiving her master’s degree in nursing, Dr. Egan completed a fellowship with The Metabolic Medical Institute and a second masters in metabolic and nutritional medicine from USF College of Medicine before obtaining her doctorate in nursing practice. As a board certified Adult & Family Nurse Practitioner, she trained in aesthetics with the American Academy of Anti-Aging and the Ageless Aesthetic Institute.

Having received numerous awards from LANP and AANP, Dr. Egan was named “Sustainer of the Year” by the Junior League of Greater Covington, where she served as past president. She also previously served as Chairwoman of Safe Harbor Board of Directors and on the Board of Regents. Currently she is a member of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana.

(left) Dr. Pamela Egan, (right) Jessica Klein

1116 West 21st Avenue • Covington 985-892-3031 • pamelaegan.com

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from the lens Southeast louisiana businesses in full color

GREAT WORKSPACES • WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT • MAKING A MATCH • ON THE JOB

GREAT WORKSPACES

Open Spaces Trapolin-Peer Architects’ offices in the Warehouse District.

More on page 94

From the Lens g r e at wo r ks pac es

Open Spaces Trapolin-Peer Architects’ historic Warehouse District offices are a study in adaptive reuse with a modern sensibility.

By Melanie Warner Spencer Photos by Sara Essex Bradley

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n 2003, Peter Trapolin, principal at Trapolin-Peer Architects, bought a pre-turn-of-the-century Warehouse District property at 850 Tchoupitoulas St. The intention was to move the firm from its offices at St. Charles and Julia streets to a larger space more indicative of the company’s architectural style and culture.

Two years later, after having the renovation priced out, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Then, in 2008, there was a recession, which meant the firm had to wait yet again to begin the project. Finally, in 2014, following a new set of plans and a new principal, Paula Peer, the company moved into its shiny, light-filled, sustainably designed digs.

“We work very collaboratively on teams and wanted to make sure we could work together,” says Peer. “It was really important to have an open studio. It enables creative solutions.”

With the studio — plus multiple pin-up boards throughout the offices — a reception lounge, one large and one small conference room, a kitchen, mezzanine and outdoor terrace space, there are multiple formal and casual meeting spaces for the 34-person staff. The former offices, founded The as Peter M. Trapolin & 7,134-squarefoot of Associates in 1981, were approximately 2,600 square Trapolin-Peer Architects is feet. At 850 Tchoupitoulas located at 850 the square footage tops out Tchoupitoulas St. The building at 13,137, leaving ample was designed

by James room for the 7,134-squareDakin and foot architectural offices built by Sidle on the second f loor, as and Stewart in 1846. well as two tenants, ARC

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The large conference room has a custom pine table by Strong Flooring and a wood ceiling, which was made by using runoff of replaced boards from another of the firm’s projects, Pêche Seafood Grill.

The ceiling detail is found throughout the offices.

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(right) The materials library and other storage is spread throughout the offices on shelving made by John Doullut, who also made all of the custom desks. (far right) The outdoor terrace space provides a space for the staff to eat lunch, take a break or have a meeting. It also has become the preferred location to view stone tile and floor samples, so they can be considered in a variety of lighting situations.

Document Solutions and Tour Cycle Studio, in the remaining space on the ground floor.

Clean, modern lines are employed in the space, with storage for paper files and renderings spread throughout or in an off-site facility. The shelving and custom desks were made by John Doullut. The black ergonomic chairs at each desk are by Knoll. A custom pine table in the large conference room is by Strong Flooring and the rest of the furniture was sourced through AOS Interior Environments and KV Workspace. Blonde wood is at the forefront of the interior design, with the exception of a few accents, including the striking wood ceiling, which was made by using runoff of replaced boards from Pêche Seafood Grill, another of the firm’s commercial projects.

“As designers, we want to approach all of our projects sustainably, so we also ended up using a long span [structural insulated panels] for the roof,” says Peer. “It was also important for us to have good lighting, 100 percent LED lighting. We wanted to keep the aesthetics really simple.”

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(far left) The mezzanine includes workspace, meeting space and the much-used and prized pin-up boards, which are found throughout the offices. (left) As with all of the firm’s projects, sustainability was at the forefront. The offices have 100 percent LED lighting and long span [structural insulated panels] for the roof.

Having played a major role in the revitalization of the Warehouse District, it was important to Trapolin and Peer to incorporate their shared design philosophies of sustainable, adaptive reuse, while always staying true to the building’s historic architecture.

The building was designed by James Dakin and built by Sidle and Stewart in 1846 as a three-story building. Its first use was as offices for lawyer Rowland Redmond. Later it became home to the Royal Broom factory and then to Standard Supply and Hardware.

Trapolin-Peer is known for projects that transform historic structures— such as The Saint Hotel, The Pontchartrain Hotel and the historic Factors Row building — into chic and functional contemporary and modern spaces, so it’s fitting for the firm to be in a building that reflects this ethos.

“What people don’t understand is that if you have a historic building or historic façade, you can use modern lines,” says Peer. “You can overlay modern design.

We wanted to show our personality.” n

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Collaboration is at the heart of the work done at Trapolin-Peer, so the open floor plan, coupled with a host of spaces to meet and work tables built into each workspace were all paramount to the design.

at a glance

Trapolin-Peer Architects Architecture: TrapolinPeer Architects Interior Design: TrapolinPeer Architects General Contractor: Woodward Design + Build Structural Engineers: Woodward Engineering Group MEP Engineers: ADG Consulting Engineers Office Furniture: AOS and KV Workspace Desk/Shelving Custom Buildout: John Doullut Custom Pine Table: Strong Flooring Electrical Contractor: Borey Electric HVAC Contractor: Union Service and Maintenance

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From the Lens w h y d i d n ’ t i t h i n k o f t h at

A Different Kind of Board Room A Mid-City bookstore’s insidethe-box thinking has created a whole new revenue stream.

By Ashley McLellan photos By Cheryl gerber

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ut down the screens, joysticks and controllers — board games are back, big time. U.S. sales grew 28 percent last year alone.

A new generation of gamers has revived the industry with innovative games and a culture club of participants around the world, and one local bookstore is tapping in.

Tubby & Coo’s bookstore in Mid-City recently launched a new program of board gaming. Owner Candice Huber is jumping on the trend to bring a social side to game playing in New Orleans.

“Board game cafés have been popping up all over the country, and they’re becoming very popular,” she said. “I’ve visited quite a few of them, and I thought it was an excellent model. We don’t have anything like that here in New Orleans. Although I don’t have a café, I did have an extra room.’”

Huber decided to put all of her personal games, along with the store’s demo games, into the bookstore’s extra room and turn it into Tubby & Coo’s Board Game Club. The room boasts over 250 different games.

Known as a bookstore that specializes in popular geek culture, Tubby & Coo’s has long featured an array of books, games and accessories for lovers of popular titles like Star Wars, Star Trek, Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. The new board game club is actually part of a full program of gaming options the store has launched that includes Tubby a board game exchange & Coo’s program, board game testing bookstore Owner program for designers and a Candice game rental service.

Huber

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(Top) Tubby & Coo’s is located at 631 N. Carrollton Ave. (Bottom) A board game club offers allday gaming in the store’s dedicated game room for $5 per person, or $25 for an annual membership.

crowd sourcing

Kickstarter is a Game Changer While the top sellers include some classics distributed by wellknown manufacturers like Hasbro, a steady increase of independently produced board games, many via Kickstarter campaigns, are on the rise.

Games are currently the biggest crowd-funding segment on the fundraising site, with many new offerings geared toward group play in a social setting, such as a bar or café. Prices range from $5 to $50.

Top 5 Most Funded Kickstarter Tabletop Games To-Date: Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5 — $12,393,139 Exploding Kittens — $8,782,571 The 7th Continent — $7,072,757 Zombicide: Green Horde — $5,004,614 Dark Souls™ The Board Game — $4,939,914

Huber said the move seemed like a natural evolution for her business.

“The board game industry is remarkably like the book publishing industry,” she said.

“There are so many different genres and subgenres, with fans who get really involved in their favorite.”

While the mass market stars of years past (think Monopoly, Clue and Scrabble) are seeing modest increases, independent games are skyrocketing in popularity, tapping into a new generation of free-thinking adult millennial players looking for something beyond a PlayStation. Sales of board games grew from $9.3 billion in 2013 to $9.6 billion in 2016, according to a report from Euromonitor International.

The trend is on par with millennials moving away from online gaming and traditional network television viewing in favor of content on demand. Board games are drawing this demographic in by offering an interactive, face-to-face alternative to online and set scheduled activities. Instead, they’re offered a familiar setting they can pop in to and out of when their time allows, and still be able to enjoy a gaming experience.

Huber said she understands the appeal and feels it herself.

“I love the social aspect of board games,” she said. “As an introverted nerd, I love staying at home and talking to friends online, but with board games, it actually gets me out of the house and interacting with other people.”

She said she loves the power of games to bring people together.

“You get to sit at the table across from people who are different from you, who may come from a different background or have different viewpoints, and all play the same game and have fun,” she added.

“There’s nothing quite like the tabletop gaming experience.”

The Tubby & Coo’s Board Game Club offers all-day gaming for $5 per person in the store’s dedicated gaming room, or an annual membership for $25. Memberships include five free days of gaming per year, two free guest passes, 12 free game rentals per year, one free snack and drink per week and discounted special event tickets.

“We just recently launched, and we already have 16 members and growing,” said Huber.

“There are no official rules for membership.

We just ask that people respect each other and the space.”

While many current board gamers are part of the millennial generation, a new wave of younger enthusiasts are catching on; a fact that Tubby & Coo’s embraces.

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“There are no age restrictions [for membership]. We even have a whole section of games for kids. We also label our games to show which ones are kid-friendly. You can learn a lot from board games — from economics and managing resources to social/emotional learning.”

If you’d rather play from home, the store also offers a rental program open to both members and non-members. Board games may be rented for $1 per day for up to 7 days, with a two-day minimum rental. An exchange program also offers store credit in exchange for gently used games.

“Some games are expensive so this allows folks to try them out and make sure they like them before dropping a bunch of money,” Huber said.

“Of course, if you can’t afford a game, you can always come to the store and play.”

For pioneering member Adam Kramer, Tubby & Coo’s Board Game Club provides a way to connect with other gaming enthusiasts in a fun, casual environment.

“I have been a fan of board gaming my whole life and got back into the hobby as an adult in college with Settlers of Catan,” he said. “When Tubby & Coo’s opened, I knew they had a board game section so I went in to buy one for a friend’s birthday and learned they had a weekly Sunday night gaming group. I started going and quickly began to realize just how many amazing games there were out there. I became addicted.”

Kramer said he enjoys the wide variety of games available at Tubby & Coo’s, as well as the growing group of friends he has made in the club.

“There are silly, short party games, super complex Euro games, confrontational war games, and everything in between so that almost anyone can find something they like, along with people who share similar interests. I became a member so that I can continue to get exposed to new games, meet new people, and have a great time at least once a week with my fellow board gamer friends,” he said.

Huber is currently working on a partnership with several businesses across Mid-City to find additional creative ways to offer gaming opportunities.

“We’ve contacted several Mid-City businesses to plan pop-ups, and we’re working on it,” she said. “There are quite a few interested businesses, so we’re trying to work out scheduling. We’ll be announcing more on this soon, so stay tuned.”n

classics

Top Classic Games of All Time Chess Stratego Monopoly Risk The Settlers of Catan Scrabble Battleship Clue Dominion Ticket to Ride Source: HobbyLark.com

The store’s selection of over 250 games may be rented for $1 per day, allowing gamers to test-drive games at a low-risk price.

Indie

Popular 2017 Independent Games Codenames King of Tokyo Ticket to Ride Betrayal at House on the Hill Splendor Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game Lords of Waterdeep Pandemic Legacy Cosmic Encounter

Tubby & Coo’s 631 N. Carrollton Ave. 598-5536 TubbyandCoos.com

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Source: Gamesradar.com

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From the Lens m aki n g a m atc h: b u s i n es s es a n d n o n pro fi t s

An Eden Just Down the Road Built by local philanthropic legends, Longue Vue House and Gardens offers an unmatched setting for business events that gives back to the community.

By Pamela Marquis Photos by Jeffery Johnston

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ucked away in New Orleans’ Lakewood neighborhood lies an ecological oasis on eight acres. A National Historic Landmark, Longue Vue House and Gardens encompasses a main house, eight dependencies, five additional structures, 14 garden areas and 22 fountains and ponds. It hosts more than 10,000 visitors every year.

Longue Vue is renowned for its art collection (including works by Kandinsky and Picasso), its breathtaking gardens and rare Country Place-era construction designed to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces.

Over the years it has also become known for its extensive educational programming.

Growing Young Minds Longue Vue’s field trip program enables Longue Vue children to learn and experience firsthand the Executive Director beauty of the house and gardens. Longue Vue Maria Pote not only offers the field trip at no cost to public and charter schools, it also sponsors the school bus.

Longue Vue’s educational A Good Match programming includes The Lucy FOR C. Roussel Discovery Garden, COMPANIES used by children as young as WHO… 18 months to dig and discover the joys of gardening. There ... are looking to host any type of is also an array of classes for event or gathering, more advanced gardeners. Recent including company programs include such events as retreats and parties.

“Day of the Girl,” an interactive,

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THE BASICS

Longue Vue House and Gardens Mission: Inspired by its humanitarian and artistic legacy, Longue Vue’s mission is to be a leader in the advancement of innovative thought, creative expression and lifelong learning, and to engage its resources and exceptional setting to stimulate discussion and action on issues of social justice and community responsibility.

Website: longuevue.com Location: 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124 Ongoing Partnerships: Longue Vue is a member of the American Horticulture Society, is a registered National Historic Landmark, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is also a preservation partner of the Garden Conservancy.

educational workshop that inspires and connects girls to their peers and positive role models.

“It is incumbent upon us, because of Longue Vue’s legacy, to use this space to create opportunities for people to share ideas on art and culture,” said Executive Director Maria Pote.

One of Longue Vue’s standout educational programs is “Cultivating Communities.”

Since 2001, students from the Waldo Burton Memorial School have participated in this outreach initiative that develops skills in gardening, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

Bradley McGehee is the chef/owner of Blue Line Sandwich Co. and is known for his farm-to-table approach. He’s been with this program for six years.

“As a chef in this community we get asked all the time to help out and this is the perfect way for me to give back,” he said. “The boys will make salad dressings or pesto and then we bottle it and take it to the Crescent City Farmers Market. They choose the nonprofit where 100 percent of the proceeds will go.”

Longue Vue also sponsors numerous other community initiatives such as building a garden at Mary Dora Coghill Elementary School, the Gentilly Rainwater Harvesting

program and Jane’s Walk, a global program that promotes local urban ecology.

In 2006, Longue Vue became an active member of the Pontilly Disaster Collaborative, a non-profit organization formed to support the restoration and revitalization of Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly Woods.

The Couple Who Started It All When it was completed in 1942, the property served as the private home of the Sterns.

Edgar Bloom Stern was a New Orleans businessman and cotton broker. His wife, Edith Rosenwald Stern, was an heiress of the Sears department store family. Julius Rosenwald, her father, among his many other philanthropies, donated millions in matching funds to support the education of African-American children in the rural South.

The couple was wholeheartedly dedicated to bettering the lives of the citizens of New Orleans. Martha Landrum, vice president of marketing and communications at the Greater New Orleans Foundation, calls them local philanthropic legends.

“They didn’t believe in endowments, rather they felt that today’s dollars should

Current Needs: Cardboard egg cartons, seeds, bubble wrap, drawing and construction paper, volunteer docents, corporate sponsors, financial donations for programming Major Fundraising Events:

It is incumbent upon us, because of Longue Vue’s legacy, to use this space to create opportunities for people to share ideas on art and culture.

Essence of Style Design Symposium Since 1991, the Friends of Longue Vue have presented this symposium, which features top speakers in the fields of design, horticulture and art. The most recent version was held Nov. 2 and 3. With proceeds benefiting Longue Vue House and Gardens, this event serves to inspire and educate locals interested in interior design while providing a significant source of funds toward maintenance, operations, educational programs, and art exhibitions of this national historic landmark.

Picture Perfect Vue

Executive Director Maria Pote

This new fundraiser at Longue Vue House & Gardens was held this past October. The event included a variety of professional photographers who were stationed around the garden’s beautiful grounds. They offered 15-minute photo sessions, then guests could purchase prints. All proceeds went to Longue Vue’s outreach projects.

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numbers

SUCCESS of services Over the years, Longue Vue has accomplished many achievements: In the last 12 months...

48 schools served

59 field trips hosted

solve today’s problems,” she said. “During their lifetimes, they supported numerous educational and arts organizations, plus the creation of Pontchartrain Park, which was New Orleans’ first planned subdivision for African-Americans in the 1950s.”

The gardens’ design is the only major work of renowned landscape artist, Ellen Biddle Shipman. Pathways of hand-laid Mexican pebbles and rough-cut marble guide guests through the gardens that feature terraces, garden rooms, tree allees, formal courts and beautiful fountains.

Longue Vue has a variety of rooms, including the Wrapping Room, which was used only to open mail and wrap gifts, and the Flower Arranging Room. The Drawing Room is where the Sterns presented such entertainers as Marian Anderson, who was barred from singing in major New Orleans venues because of segregation.

During the mid-60s, a few years after Edgar Stern’s death, Mrs. Stern actively sought to secure the future stewardship of Longue Vue and to provide long-term public access. Thus, she established Longue Vue Foundation in 1965 and opened the property to the public in 1968.

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Business Is Booming

for his farm-to-table approach to cuisine. For the past six years he’s In order to help keep the Stern legacy been volunteering with Longue Vue’s The main thriving, there has recently been a house was “Cultivating Communities” program. big push to increase earned income completed “I am passionate about helping any way in 1942.

I can and I’m in it for the long haul. I through rentals. plan to stay as long as they’ll have me.”

“We are open for business,” said Pote. “We offer such a magical mix Penny Luck: A year ago Luck because when we bring in money through attended Longue Vue’s “Garden Yoga” program. “It was so beautiful and I thought rentals and retreats, that money goes directly to supporting our philanthropic legacy. When it would be a great place to volunteer,” she you do business with us, you empower our said. She now volunteers on a regular basis and shares insights about the Sterns’ home community.”

The space is a unique and peaceful choice to as many as 30 guests at a time. She loves for corporate retreats and meetings. enlightening guests about the Sterns’ legacy “We are doing more corporate business than of art and social justice. “It’s such a friendly we’ve ever done,” Pote said. “We’ve worked place and it’s always pleasant to be in such a stunning setting.” with every local university and numerous banks both big and small. In a time when Rachel Woolridge: Woolridge is the there are so many challenges in the world, we manager of legal recruiting and professional development for Phelps Dunbar, a regional want to offer a space to create, to give more and be inspired by the legacy of Longue Vue.” law firm with more than 260 attorneys and offices from Houston to Tampa. She recently Success Stories scheduled a three-day retreat at Longue Vue for the firm. “It was an easy choice,” she said.

Brad McGehee: McGehee is the chef/owner “This was such a great way to give back to of Blue Line Sandwich Co. on Metairie the community. We also wanted our guests Road. He’s formerly of The Ritz-Carlton to learn about the Sterns’ legacy. It’s going to be amazing.” n and Ye Olde College Inn and is known

2,407 children impacted Hosted and organized Family Equality Day, the only family-focused event during New Orleans Pride Week

140 boys have participated in “Cultivating Communities,” a garden-focused curriculum that teaches a variety of skills including philanthropy to residents at a local school Longue Vue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2005

660 members

10,000+ people visit annually

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Ace and the Louisiana Open Housing Act, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. For more information, call the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-273-5718.

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luxury

real estate

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From the Lens ON THE J O B

Santa’s Helper Photos by Jeffery Johnston

K

ern Studios artist Bobby Zabler works on props for the Nashville Christmas Parade in early November. On average, the company’s 15 artists produce 1,400 props each year, about one-third of which are made during the holiday season.

KernStudios.com

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